Compositions and methods for increasing erythropoietin (EPO) production

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) compositions targeting one or more EGLN genes, EGLN1, EGLN2 and/or EGLN3 and methods of using such dsRNA compositions to inhibit expression of these genes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 U.S. National Stage Entry of International Application No. PCT/US2011/064121 filed Dec. 9, 2011, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/421,727 filed Dec. 10, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/493,651 filed Jun. 6, 2011, the contents of which are each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made, in part, with government support under Contract Number NIH CA068490 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a filed entitled 20021004US371SEQLST.txt created on Dec. 8, 2011 which is 632,864 bytes in size. The information in electronic format of the sequence listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the specific inhibition of the expression of EGLN genes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone found in the plasma which regulates red cell production by promoting erythroid differentiation and initiating hemoglobin synthesis. The gene is in the EPO/TPO family and encodes a secreted, acidic glycosylated cytokine.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) has been used since 1986 to treat the anemia of chronic and end-stage kidney disease (Eschbach, et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 1987 Jan. 8; 316(2):73-8). However, this treatment is costly and requires parenteral administration. It has recently been linked to cardiovascular side effects (J. Bohlius et al., Lancet 373, 1532 (2009) and antibodies which form against EPO can result in Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA), an uncommon condition which develops in association with a failure of the bone marrow to manufacture red blood cells, leaving patients with severe, treatment-resistant anemia (reported by Casadevall, et al, New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 14, 2002).

In addition to its role as a kidney cytokine regulating hematopoiesis, EPO is also produced in the brain after oxidative or nitrosative stress. The transcription factor HIF1 (hypoxia inducible factor 1) is known to upregulate EPO following hypoxic stimuli (Digicaylioglu, M., Lipton, S. A. Nature 412: 641-647, 2001). This upregulation provides protection against apoptosis of erythroid progenitors in bone marrow and also apoptosis of brain neurons (Siren, A.-L., et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 98: 4044-4049, 2001). Grimm et al. showed in the adult mouse retina that acute hypoxia dose-dependently stimulates expression of EPO, fibroblast growth factor-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor via HIF1 stabilization (Nature Med. 8: 718-724, 2002).

Further controlling the regulation of EPO production are a family of prolyl hydroxylases, the PHD proteins, which act to regulate the HIF transcription factors. PHD (prolyl hydroxylases) proteins belong to a superfamily of several 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (Kaelin Jr., and Ratcliffe, Mol. Cell. 30, 393 (2008). In the mouse, these genes are known as EGLN1 (PHD2, prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 and by the synonyms hif-prolyl hydroxylase 2; hifph2; hph2; chromosome 1 open reading frame 12; c1orf12; sm20, rat, homolog of sm20; zinc finger mynd domain-containing protein 6; and zmynd6), EGLN2 (PHD1, prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 1; and by the synonyms hif-prolyl hydroxylase 1; hifph1) and EGLN3 (PHD3 prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 3; and by the synonyms hif-prolyl hydroxylase 3; hifph3). In an attempt to elucidate the function of PHD enzymes in hepatic EPO production, Minamishima et al., created knockout mice lacking liver expression of PHD1, PHD2, PHD3, or combinations thereof (Mol. Cell. Biol. 29, 5729 (2009)).

Subsequent studies by Minamishima and Kaelin using the knock-out model, suggested that while hepatic inactivation of PHD1, PHD2, or PHD3 alone did not increase EPO or hematocrit values, loss of all three PHDs increased both measurements (Science, 329, 407 and Supplemental Information (2010)). According to Minamishima, questions remain regarding the promoters used and the role that PHD2 plays (and at which developmental stage) independent of the other two enzymes in the activation of EPO production.

Double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA) have been shown to block gene expression in a highly conserved regulatory mechanism known as RNA interference (RNAi). This natural mechanism has now become the focus for the development of a new class of pharmaceutical agents for treating disorders that are caused by the aberrant or unwanted regulation of a gene.

Given the drawbacks of complete gene knockout and the inherent problems translating gene knockout to human therapy, the present invention contemplates the use of RNAi to effect gene modulation with improved outcomes in the production of erythropoietin.

During development the liver is the major source of EPO but over time eventually the liver EPO is switched off and in normal healthy adults their kidney makes the EPO to support normal red blood cell production. However, two to four million Americans with renal disease suffer from anemia due to impaired EPO production. If it is possible to turn on hepatic EPO using siRNA targeting EGLN genes the liver could now supply the EPO required to support red blood cell production to compensate for the damaged kidney function. Furthermore, using siRNA in LNPs it may be possible to activate fetally expressed genes in liver by targeting negative regulators of the pathway. This strategy could be used in the treatment of many other diseases and not just exclusively anemia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are compositions and methods that effect the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-mediated cleavage of RNA transcripts of one or more of the EGLN genes, such as in a cell or mammal Also described are compositions and methods for treating pathological conditions and diseases caused by or associated with the expression of said genes, such as anemia, hypoxia, neurological conditions including degeneration, renal disease or failure, and cancers including those of the blood, bone and marrow. It has been discovered that synergistic effects are seen upon the administration of a mix or plurality of iRNA agents collectively targeting all three EGLN genes.

As used herein, the term “iRNA” refers to one or more agents that contain RNA as that term is defined herein, and which mediates the targeted cleavage of an RNA transcript via an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) pathway. In one embodiment, an iRNA as described herein effects inhibition of expression of at least one EGLN gene in a cell or mammal. Alternatively, in another embodiment, an iRNA as described herein activates EGLN expression in a cell or mammal. It should be understood that as used herein the term “EGLN” refers to any of the EGLN genes in any mammalian species and having any of the synonyms referred to in the art. Where a specific species or gene variant is being referred to, the variant will be called out by name.

The iRNAs included in the compositions featured herein encompass a dsRNA having an RNA strand (the antisense strand) having a region that is 30 nucleotides or less, generally 19-24 nucleotides in length, that is substantially complementary to at least part of an mRNA transcript of an EGLN gene.

In one embodiment, an iRNA for inhibiting expression of an EGLN gene includes at least two sequences that are complementary to each other. The iRNA includes a sense strand having a first sequence and an antisense strand having a second sequence. The antisense strand includes a nucleotide sequence that is substantially complementary to at least part of an mRNA encoding EGLN, and the region of complementarity is 30 nucleotides or less, and at least 15 nucleotides in length. Generally, the iRNA is 19 to 24, e.g., 19 to 21 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments the iRNA is from about 15 to about 25 nucleotides in length, and in other embodiments the iRNA is from about 25 to about 30 nucleotides in length. The iRNA, upon contacting with a cell expressing EGLN, inhibits the expression of an EGLN gene by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35% or at least 40% or more, such as when assayed by a method as described herein. In one embodiment, where contacting is by a mix or plurality of EGLN iRNAs, the expression of each EGLN gene is inhibited by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35% or at least 40% or more and inhibition need not be the same for each EGLN targeted by the mix. For example, a mix of iRNAs targeting EGLN1, 2 and 3 may result in inhibition of expression of EGLN1 by 10%, EGLN2 by 20% and EGLN3 by 10%. As such, the mix inhibits EGLN expression by at least 10%. In one embodiment, the EGLN iRNA or iRNAs are formulated in a stable nucleic acid lipid particle (SNALP).

The details of various embodiments of the invention are set forth in the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and the drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a histogram showing the in vitro screening results of the EGLN 1, 2, and 3 genes. AD (duplex) numbers are those listed in Tables 2A-F. The additional digit listed in the figure after the decimal (“.”) point is an internal tracking number and may be disregarded when making reference to the duplexes listed in the tables.

FIG. 2 is a histogram showing the in vitro dose response screening results of the EGLN 1, 2, and 3 genes. AD (duplex) numbers are those listed in Tables 2A-F. The additional digit listed in the figure after the decimal (“.”) point is an internal tracking number and may be disregarded when making reference to the duplexes listed in the tables.

FIG. 3 is a histogram showing the specificity of knockdown of EGLN genes by the iRNA agents of the invention. Panel 1 shows the specificity of the EGLN1 iRNA agent, AD-40894 for EGLN1 and the effect of the 3-iRNA mix. Panel 2 shows the specificity of the EGLN2 iRNA agent, AD-40773 for EGLN2 and the effect of the 3-iRNA mix. Panel 3 shows the specificity of the EGLN3 iRNA agent, AD-40758 for EGLN3 and the effect of the 3-iRNA mix.

FIG. 4 shows results from an ELISA assay. FIG. 4A shows a histogram of EPO production in pg/mL Erythropoietin production upon treatment with EGLN dsRNA. FIG. 4B shows a histogram of the ELISA results of treatment groups PBS (1-4 and average), Luciferase control (AD1955) (1-5 and average) and the 3-iRNA mix of EGLN 1, 2 and 3 targeting agents, AD-40894, AD-40773 and AD40758, respectively (1-5 and average). Each bar (except for the averages) represents an individual animal.

FIG. 5 is a histogram showing the specificity of knockdown of EGLN genes by the iRNA agents of the invention in a dose response study (mg per kg). Panel 1 shows the specificity of the EGLN1 iRNA agent, AD-40894 for EGLN1. Panel 2 shows the specificity of the EGLN2 iRNA agent, AD-40773 for EGLN2. Panel 3 shows the specificity of the EGLN3 iRNA agent, AD-40758 for EGLN3. Each panel also shows the knockdown of the respective EGLN gene using a dual iRNA agent mix (AD-04894 and AD-40758, “94/58” in amounts of 67% and 33% “0.67/0.33”)

FIG. 6 is a histogram of the Week 1 hematology results showing reticuloctye and RBC levels upon treatment with a composition comprising an EGLN1-3 mix of iRNA agents.

FIG. 7 is a histogram of the Week 1 hematology results showing hemogolobin and hematocrit levels upon treatment with a composition comprising an EGLN1-3 mix of iRNA agents.

FIG. 8 is a histogram of the Week 2 hematology results showing reticuloctye and RBC levels upon treatment with a composition comprising an EGLN1-3 mix of iRNA agents.

FIG. 9 is a histogram of the Week 2 hematology results showing hemogolobin and hematocrit levels upon treatment with a composition comprising an EGLN1-3 mix of iRNA agents.

FIG. 10 is a histogram showing the increase of EPO mRNA after 2 doses at day 10.

FIG. 11 is a histogram showing the specificity of knockdown of EGLN genes by the iRNA agents of the invention in a dose response study (mg per kg). Panel 1 shows the specificity of the EGLN1 iRNA agent, AD-40894 for EGLN1. Panel 2 shows the specificity of the EGLN2 iRNA agent, AD-40773 for EGLN2. Panel 3 shows the specificity of the EGLN3 iRNA agent, AD-40758 for EGLN3. Each panel also shows the knockdown of the respective EGLN gene using single iRNA agent mixes (AD-40894 is “EGLN1,” AD-40773 is “EGLN2” and AD-40758 is “EGLN3”), dual iRNA agent mixes (AD-40894 and AD-40773 is “EGLN 1+2,” AD-04894 and AD-40758 is “EGLN 1+3,” AD-40773 and AD-40758 is “EGLN 2+3”) and a trip iRNA agent mix (AD-40894, AD-40773 and AD-40758 is “EGLN 1+2+3”).

FIG. 12 is a histogram showing the effects on erythropoietin production by the iRNA agents of the invention in a dose response study (mg per kg). Panel 1 shows a histogram of the ELISA results of treatment groups PBS, Luciferase control (AD1955), single iRNA agent mixes, dual iRNA agent mixes and triple iRNA mixture. Panel 2 shows the increase of EPO mRNA in the iRNA mixtures which contain the EGLN1 iRNA agent (AD-40773) from the treatment groups PBS, Luciferase control (AD1955), single iRNA agent mixes, dual iRNA agent mixes and triple iRNA mixture. It is to be noted that E1 means the same as EGLN1, E2 means the same as EGLN2 and E3 means EGLN3.

FIG. 13 is a histogram of the hematology results showing hemogolobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte and red blood cell levels upon a two dose treatment with a composition of single iRNA agents, dual iRNA agents or a triple iRNA agent mixture, a luciferase control iRNA agent and PBS control.

FIG. 14 is a histogram of the regulation of hepcidin upon a two dose treatment with a composition of single iRNA agents, dual iRNA agents or a triple iRNA agent mixture, a luciferase control iRNA agent and PBS control.

FIG. 15 is a histogram showing tissue specificity in a dose response study (mg per kg). Panel 1 shows a histogram of the results of treatment groups Luciferase control (AD1955 is “LUC”), and a triple iRNA mixture (AD-40894, AD-40773 and AD-40758 is “EGLN mix”) on EGLN1 found in the liver, kidney and spleen. Panel 2 shows a histogram of the results of treatment groups Luciferase control (AD1955 is “LUC”), and a triple iRNA mixture (AD-40894, AD-40773 and AD-40758 is “EGLN mix”) on EGLN2 found in the liver, kidney and spleen. Panel 3 shows a histogram of the results of treatment groups Luciferase control (AD1955 is “LUC”), and a triple iRNA mixture (AD-40894, AD-40773 and AD-40758 is “EGLN mix”) on EGLN3 found in the liver, kidney and spleen. Panel 4 shows an increase of EPO mRNA in the liver from the triple iRNA mixture (AD-40894, AD-40773 and AD-40758 is “EGLN mix”) as compared to the Luciferase control (AD1955 is “LUC”) which was not seen in the kidney or spleen. The y-axis represents ratio of EPO to GAPDH mRNA levels in arbitrary units.

FIG. 16 is a line graph showing the durable effects of a cocktail (AD-40894 at 0.375 mg/kg, AD-40773 at 0.75 mg/kg and AD-40758 at 0.375 mg/kg) in a single dose injection or a double dose injection as compared to a Luciferase control (AD1955). Panel 1 shows the levels of EPO found after a single or double injection as compared to the control (LUC). Panel 2 shows that the injection of the cocktail can increase the amount hematocrit in the mouse for about a month after a single injection.

FIG. 17 is a histogram showing knockdown of EGLN genes by the iRNA agents of the invention. Panel 1 shows the specificity of the EGLN1 iRNA agent, AD-40894 for EGLN1 (AD-40894), EGLN1-2 (mix of AD-40894 and AD-40773) and the effect of the 3-iRNA mix. Panel 2 shows the specificity of the EGLN2 iRNA agent, AD-40773 for EGLN1 (AD-40894), EGLN1-2 (mix of AD-40894 and AD-40773) and the effect of the 3-iRNA mix. Panel 3 shows the specificity of the EGLN3 iRNA agent, AD-40758 for EGLN1 (AD-40894), EGLN1-2 (mix of AD-40894 and AD-40773) and the effect of the 3-iRNA mix.

FIG. 18 is a histogram a summary of the downregulation of hepcidin by the iRNA agents of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a histogram showing the increase of EPO mRNA after 3 doses at day 12 in the animals who received the EGLN1-2-3 (mix of AD-40894, AD-40773 and AD-40758).

FIG. 20 is a scatter chart of the hematocrit levels for pre- and post-dose of the iRNA agents of the invention. Panel 1 is the baseline hematocrit levels of the animals at day 0. Panel 2 is the hematocrit levels of the animals on day 12.

FIG. 21 is a histogram of the hematology results showing hemogolobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte and red blood cell levels upon a three dose treatment with a composition of a single iRNA agent (EGLN1), dual iRNA agent (EGLN1+2) or a triple iRNA agent mixture (EGLN1+2+3), a luciferase control iRNA agent, a PBS control and a SHAM control.

FIG. 22 is a scatter chart of the iron parameters of animals upon a three dose treatment with a composition of a single iRNA agent (EGLN1), dual iRNA agent (EGLN1−2) or a triple iRNA agent mixture (EGLN1−2−3), a luciferase control iRNA agent, a PBS control and a SHAM control. Panel 1 shows the serum levels of iron in the animals. Panel 2 shows the transferrin saturation (TSAT), which is the ratio of serum iron and total iron-binding capacity multiplied by 100, of the individual animals. Panel 3 is the unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) of the animals. Panel 4 is the total iron binding capacity (TIBC) of the animals. Panel 5 shows the ferritin level of the animals.

FIG. 23 shows the targeting of EglN genes rescues anemia caused by renal failure. (A) Overview of 5/6 nephrectomy procedure and dosing schedule. (B and C) Hemoglobin (B) and Hematocrit (C) levels in mice treated as depicted in (A).

FIG. 24 shows histograms of the hematologic data showing EPO and HAMP1 mRNA values at day 12 in mice treated with the indicated siRNAs as depicted in (A). HAMP1=hepcidin antimicrobrial peptide 1. mRNA levels were normalized to actin mRNA and then to corresponding sham mRNA level.

FIG. 25 is a histogram showing the reduction of anemia in rats. Panel A shows an effective knockdown of EGLN1 using the EGLN1/2 siRNAs of the present invention. Panel B shows an effective knockdown of EGLN2 using the EGLN1/2 siRNAs of the present invention. Panel C shows a decrease in hepcidin (HAMP1) levels in rats treated with the EGLN1/2 siRNAs of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows bioluminescent images of HIF 1 alpha-Luc mice 72 hours after a single intravenous dose of LNPs targeting all three EglN family members or, as a negative control, green fluorescent protein (GFP). Total dose=1 mg/kg (0.33 mg/kg per family member).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are iRNAs and methods of using them for inhibiting the expression of one or more EGLN genes in a cell or a mammal where the iRNA targets the one or more EGLN genes. Also described are compositions and methods for treating pathological conditions and diseases caused by or associated with the expression of said genes, such as anemia, hypoxia, neurological conditions including degeneration, renal disease or failure, and cancers including those of the blood, bone and marrow. It has surprisingly been discovered that synergistic effects are seen upon the administration of a mix or plurality of iRNA agents collectively targeting all three EGLN genes.

The iRNAs of the compositions featured herein include an RNA strand (the antisense strand) having a region which is 30 nucleotides or less in length, i.e., 15-30 nucleotides in length, generally 19-24 nucleotides in length, which region is substantially complementary to at least part of an mRNA transcript of an EGLN gene. The use of these iRNAs enables the targeted degradation of mRNAs of genes that are implicated in pathologies associated with EGLN expression in mammals and with the signaling pathways involved in production of erythropoietin. Very low dosages of EGLN iRNAs in particular can specifically and efficiently mediate RNAi, resulting in significant inhibition of expression of one or more EGLN genes. Using cell-based assays, the present inventors have demonstrated that iRNAs targeting EGLN can specifically and efficiently mediate RNAi, resulting in significant inhibition of expression of an EGLN gene. More surprising is the discovery by the present inventors of a mix or cocktail of iRNA agents which can specifically target EGLN 1, 2 and 3 and which can increase or stimulate erythropoietin production in a cell or organism. Thus, methods and compositions including these iRNAs are useful for treating pathological processes that can be mediated by down regulating EGLN genes or those which are associated with low EPO levels. The following detailed description discloses how to make and use compositions containing iRNAs to inhibit the expression of one or more EGLN genes, as well as compositions and methods for treating diseases and disorders caused by or modulated by the expression of this gene. Embodiments of the pharmaceutical compositions featured in the invention include an iRNA having an antisense strand comprising a region which is 30 nucleotides or less in length, generally 19-24 nucleotides in length, which region is substantially complementary to at least part of an RNA transcript of an EGLN gene, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Embodiments of compositions featured in the invention also include an iRNA having an antisense strand having a region of complementarity which is 30 nucleotides or less in length, generally 19-24 nucleotides in length, and is substantially complementary to at least part of an RNA transcript of an EGLN gene.

Accordingly, in some aspects, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more EGLN iRNA agents and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, methods of using the compositions to inhibit expression of an EGLN gene, and methods of using the pharmaceutical compositions to treat diseases caused by expression of an EGLN gene are featured in the invention.

I. Definitions

For convenience, the meaning of certain terms and phrases used in the specification, examples, and appended claims, are provided below. If there is an apparent discrepancy between the usage of a term in other parts of this specification and its definition provided in this section, the definition in this section shall prevail.

“G,” “C,” “A,” “T” and “U” each generally stand for a nucleotide that contains guanine, cytosine, adenine, thymidine and uracil as a base, respectively. However, it will be understood that the term “ribonucleotide” or “nucleotide” can also refer to a modified nucleotide, as further detailed below, or a surrogate replacement moiety. The skilled person is well aware that guanine, cytosine, adenine, and uracil may be replaced by other moieties without substantially altering the base pairing properties of an oligonucleotide comprising a nucleotide bearing such replacement moiety. For example, without limitation, a nucleotide comprising inosine as its base may base pair with nucleotides containing adenine, cytosine, or uracil. Hence, nucleotides containing uracil, guanine, or adenine may be replaced in the nucleotide sequences of dsRNA featured in the invention by a nucleotide containing, for example, inosine. In another example, adenine and cytosine anywhere in the oligonucleotide can be replaced with guanine and uracil, respectively to form G-U Wobble base pairing with the target mRNA. Sequences containing such replacement moieties are suitable for the compositions and methods featured in the invention.

As used herein, “EGLN” (“EGL Nine Homolog”) refers to any one or all of the group of EGLN genes. In the mouse, these genes are known as EGLN1 (PHD2, prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 and by the synonyms hif-prolyl hydroxylase 2; hifph2; hph2; chromosome 1 open reading frame 12; c1orf12; sm20, rat, homolog of; sm20; zinc finger mynd domain-containing protein 6; and zmynd6), EGLN2 (PHD1, prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 1; and by the synonyms hif-prolyl hydroxylase 1; hifph1) and EGLN3 (PHD3 prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 3; and by the synonyms hif-prolyl hydroxylase 3; hifph3). The sequences of the mouse EGLN mRNA transcripts can be found at NM_(—)053207.2 (EGLN1; SEQ ID NO: 5), NM_(—)053208.4 (EGLN2; SEQ ID NO: 6) and NM_(—)028133.2 (EGLN3; SEQ ID NO: 7). The sequence of a human EGLN mRNA transcripts can be found at NM_(—)022051.2 (EGLN1); NM_(—)053046.2 (EGLN2) and NM_(—)022073.3 (EGLN3).

As used herein, the term “iRNA” refers to an agent that contains RNA as that term is defined herein, and which mediates the targeted cleavage of an RNA transcript via an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) pathway. In one embodiment, an iRNA as described herein effects inhibition of EGLN expression. Alternatively, in another embodiment, an iRNA as described herein activates EGLN expression.

As used herein, the term “iRNA mix” or “iRNA cocktail” refers to a composition that comprises more than one iRNA. The iRNA mixes or cocktails of the present invention may comprise one or more iRNA agents to a single EGLN gene or may comprise one or more iRNA agents targeted to more than one EGLN gene. Where an iRNA mix or cocktail contains only iRNA agents targeting one or more EGLN genes, this mix may be referred to as an “EGLN mix” or “EGLN cocktail.”

As used herein, “target sequence” refers to a contiguous portion of the nucleotide sequence of an mRNA molecule formed during the transcription of an EGLN gene, including mRNA that is a product of RNA processing of a primary transcription product. The target portion of the sequence will be at least long enough to serve as a substrate for iRNA-directed cleavage at or near that portion. For example, the target sequence will generally be from 9-36 nucleotides in length, e.g., 15-30 nucleotides in length, including all sub-ranges therebetween. As non-limiting examples, the target sequence can be from 15-30 nucleotides, 15-26 nucleotides, 15-23 nucleotides, 15-22 nucleotides, 15-21 nucleotides, 15-20 nucleotides, 15-19 nucleotides, 15-18 nucleotides, 15-17 nucleotides, 18-30 nucleotides, 18-26 nucleotides, 18-23 nucleotides, 18-22 nucleotides, 18-21 nucleotides, 18-20 nucleotides, 19-30 nucleotides, 19-26 nucleotides, 19-23 nucleotides, 19-22 nucleotides, 19-21 nucleotides, 19-20 nucleotides, 20-30 nucleotides, 20-26 nucleotides, 20-25 nucleotides, 20-24 nucleotides, 20-23 nucleotides, 20-22 nucleotides, 20-21 nucleotides, 21-30 nucleotides, 21-26 nucleotides, 21-25 nucleotides, 21-24 nucleotides, 21-23 nucleotides, or 21-22 nucleotides.

As used herein, the term “strand comprising a sequence” refers to an oligonucleotide comprising a chain of nucleotides that is described by the sequence referred to using the standard nucleotide nomenclature.

As used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the term “complementary,” when used to describe a first nucleotide sequence in relation to a second nucleotide sequence, refers to the ability of an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the first nucleotide sequence to hybridize and form a duplex structure under certain conditions with an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising the second nucleotide sequence, as will be understood by the skilled person. Such conditions can, for example, be stringent conditions, where stringent conditions may include: 400 mM NaCl, 40 mM PIPES pH 6.4, 1 mM EDTA, 50° C. or 70° C. for 12-16 hours followed by washing. Other conditions, such as physiologically relevant conditions as may be encountered inside an organism, can apply. The skilled person will be able to determine the set of conditions most appropriate for a test of complementarity of two sequences in accordance with the ultimate application of the hybridized nucleotides.

Complementary sequences within an iRNA, e.g., within a dsRNA as described herein, include base-pairing of the oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising a first nucleotide sequence to an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide comprising a second nucleotide sequence over the entire length of one or both nucleotide sequences. Such sequences can be referred to as “fully complementary” with respect to each other herein. However, where a first sequence is referred to as “substantially complementary” with respect to a second sequence herein, the two sequences can be fully complementary, or they may form one or more, but generally not more than 5, 4, 3 or 2 mismatched base pairs upon hybridization for a duplex up to 30 base pairs, while retaining the ability to hybridize under the conditions most relevant to their ultimate application, e.g., inhibition of gene expression via a RISC pathway. However, where two oligonucleotides are designed to form, upon hybridization, one or more single stranded overhangs, such overhangs shall not be regarded as mismatches with regard to the determination of complementarity. For example, a dsRNA comprising one oligonucleotide 21 nucleotides in length and another oligonucleotide 23 nucleotides in length, wherein the longer oligonucleotide comprises a sequence of 21 nucleotides that is fully complementary to the shorter oligonucleotide, may yet be referred to as “fully complementary” for the purposes described herein.

“Complementary” sequences, as used herein, may also include, or be formed entirely from, non-Watson-Crick base pairs and/or base pairs formed from non-natural and modified nucleotides, in as far as the above requirements with respect to their ability to hybridize are fulfilled. Such non-Watson-Crick base pairs includes, but are not limited to, G:U Wobble or Hoogstein base pairing.

The terms “complementary,” “fully complementary” and “substantially complementary” herein may be used with respect to the base matching between the sense strand and the antisense strand of a dsRNA, or between the antisense strand of an iRNA agent and a target sequence, as will be understood from the context of their use.

As used herein, a polynucleotide that is “substantially complementary to at least part of” a messenger RNA (mRNA) refers to a polynucleotide that is substantially complementary to a contiguous portion of the mRNA of interest (e.g., an mRNA encoding an EGLN protein). For example, a polynucleotide is complementary to at least a part of an EGLN mRNA if the sequence is substantially complementary to a non-interrupted portion of an mRNA encoding EGLN.

The term “double-stranded RNA” or “dsRNA,” as used herein, refers to an iRNA that includes an RNA molecule or complex of molecules having a hybridized duplex region that comprises two anti-parallel and substantially complementary nucleic acid strands, which will be referred to as having “sense” and “antisense” orientations with respect to a target RNA. The duplex region can be of any length that permits specific degradation of a desired target RNA through a RISC pathway, but will typically range from 9 to 36 base pairs in length, e.g., 15-30 base pairs in length. Considering a duplex between 9 and 36 base pairs, the duplex can be any length in this range, for example, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 and any sub-range therein between, including, but not limited to 15-30 base pairs, 15-26 base pairs, 15-23 base pairs, 15-22 base pairs, 15-21 base pairs, 15-20 base pairs, 15-19 base pairs, 15-18 base pairs, 15-17 base pairs, 18-30 base pairs, 18-26 base pairs, 18-23 base pairs, 18-22 base pairs, 18-21 base pairs, 18-20 base pairs, 19-30 base pairs, 19-26 base pairs, 19-23 base pairs, 19-22 base pairs, 19-21 base pairs, 19-20 base pairs, 20-30 base pairs, 20-26 base pairs, 20-25 base pairs, 20-24 base pairs, 20-23 base pairs, 20-22 base pairs, 20-21 base pairs, 21-30 base pairs, 21-26 base pairs, 21-25 base pairs, 21-24 base pairs, 21-23 base pairs, or 21-22 base pairs. dsRNAs generated in the cell by processing with Dicer and similar enzymes are generally in the range of 19-22 base pairs in length. One strand of the duplex region of a dsDNA comprises a sequence that is substantially complementary to a region of a target RNA. The two strands forming the duplex structure can be from a single RNA molecule having at least one self-complementary region, or can be formed from two or more separate RNA molecules. Where the duplex region is formed from two strands of a single molecule, the molecule can have a duplex region separated by a single stranded chain of nucleotides (herein referred to as a “hairpin loop”) between the 3′-end of one strand and the 5′-end of the respective other strand forming the duplex structure. The hairpin loop can comprise at least one unpaired nucleotide; in some embodiments the hairpin loop can comprise at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 20, at least 23 or more unpaired nucleotides. Where the two substantially complementary strands of a dsRNA are comprised by separate RNA molecules, those molecules need not, but can be covalently connected. Where the two strands are connected covalently by means other than a hairpin loop, the connecting structure is referred to as a “linker.” The term “siRNA” is also used herein to refer to a dsRNA as described above.

The skilled artisan will recognize that the term “RNA molecule” or “ribonucleic acid molecule” encompasses not only RNA molecules as expressed or found in nature, but also analogs and derivatives of RNA comprising one or more ribonucleotide/ribonucleoside analogs or derivatives as described herein or as known in the art. Strictly speaking, a “ribonucleoside” includes a nucleoside base and a ribose sugar, and a “ribonucleotide” is a ribonucleoside with one, two or three phosphate moieties. However, the terms “ribonucleoside” and “ribonucleotide” can be considered to be equivalent as used herein. The RNA can be modified in the nucleobase structure or in the ribose-phosphate backbone structure, e.g., as described herein below. However, the molecules comprising ribonucleoside analogs or derivatives must retain the ability to form a duplex. As non-limiting examples, an RNA molecule can also include at least one modified ribonucleoside including but not limited to a 2′-O-methyl modified nucleostide, a nucleoside comprising a 5′ phosphorothioate group, a terminal nucleoside linked to a cholesteryl derivative or dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group, a locked nucleoside, an abasic nucleoside, a 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro modified nucleoside, a 2′-amino-modified nucleoside, 2′-alkyl-modified nucleoside, morpholino nucleoside, a phosphoramidate or a non-natural base comprising nucleoside, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, an RNA molecule can comprise at least two modified ribonucleosides, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20 or more, up to the entire length of the dsRNA molecule. The modifications need not be the same for each of such a plurality of modified ribonucleosides in an RNA molecule. In one embodiment, modified RNAs contemplated for use in methods and compositions described herein are peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that have the ability to form the required duplex structure and that permit or mediate the specific degradation of a target RNA via a RISC pathway.

In one aspect, a modified ribonucleoside includes a deoxyribonucleoside. In such an instance, an iRNA agent can comprise one or more deoxynucleosides, including, for example, a deoxynucleoside overhang(s), or one or more deoxynucleosides within the double stranded portion of a dsRNA. However, it is self evident that under no circumstances is a double stranded DNA molecule encompassed by the term “iRNA.”

In one aspect, an RNA interference agent includes a single stranded RNA that interacts with a target RNA sequence to direct the cleavage of the target RNA. Without wishing to be bound by theory, long double stranded RNA introduced into plants and invertebrate cells is broken down into siRNA by a Type III endonuclease known as Dicer (Sharp et al., Genes Dev. 2001, 15:485). Dicer, a ribonuclease-III-like enzyme, processes the dsRNA into 19-23 base pair short interfering RNAs with characteristic two base 3′ overhangs (Bernstein, et al., (2001) Nature 409:363). The siRNAs are then incorporated into an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) where one or more helicases unwind the siRNA duplex, enabling the complementary antisense strand to guide target recognition (Nykanen, et al., (2001) Cell 107:309). Upon binding to the appropriate target mRNA, one or more endonucleases within the RISC cleaves the target to induce silencing (Elbashir, et al., (2001) Genes Dev. 15:188). Thus, in one aspect the invention relates to a single stranded RNA that promotes the formation of a RISC complex to effect silencing of the target gene.

As used herein, the term “nucleotide overhang” refers to at least one unpaired nucleotide that protrudes from the duplex structure of an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA. For example, when a 3′-end of one strand of a dsRNA extends beyond the 5′-end of the other strand, or vice versa, there is a nucleotide overhang. A dsRNA can comprise an overhang of at least one nucleotide; alternatively the overhang can comprise at least two nucleotides, at least three nucleotides, at least four nucleotides, at least five nucleotides or more. A nucleotide overhang can comprise or consist of a nucleotide/nucleoside analog, including a deoxynucleotide/nucleoside. The overhang(s) may be on the sense strand, the antisense strand or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the nucleotide(s) of an overhang can be present on the 5′ end, 3′ end or both ends of either an antisense or sense strand of a dsRNA.

In one embodiment, the antisense strand of a dsRNA has a 1-10 nucleotide overhang at the 3′ end and/or the 5′ end. In one embodiment, the sense strand of a dsRNA has a 1-10 nucleotide overhang at the 3′ end and/or the 5′ end. In another embodiment, one or more of the nucleotides in the overhang is replaced with a nucleoside thiophosphate.

The terms “blunt” or “blunt ended” as used herein in reference to a dsRNA mean that there are no unpaired nucleotides or nucleotide analogs at a given terminal end of a dsRNA, i.e., no nucleotide overhang. One or both ends of a dsRNA can be blunt. Where both ends of a dsRNA are blunt, the dsRNA is said to be blunt ended. To be clear, a “blunt ended” dsRNA is a dsRNA that is blunt at both ends, i.e., no nucleotide overhang at either end of the molecule. Most often such a molecule will be double-stranded over its entire length.

The term “antisense strand” or “guide strand” refers to the strand of an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, which includes a region that is substantially complementary to a target sequence. As used herein, the term “region of complementarity” refers to the region on the antisense strand that is substantially complementary to a sequence, for example a target sequence, as defined herein. Where the region of complementarity is not fully complementary to the target sequence, the mismatches may be in the internal or terminal regions of the molecule. Generally, the most tolerated mismatches are in the terminal regions, e.g., within 5, 4, 3, or 2 nucleotides of the 5′ and/or 3′ terminus.

The term “sense strand” or “passenger strand” as used herein, refers to the strand of an iRNA that includes a region that is substantially complementary to a region of the antisense strand as that term is defined herein.

As used herein, the term “SNALP” refers to a stable nucleic acid-lipid particle. A SNALP represents a vesicle of lipids coating a reduced aqueous interior comprising a nucleic acid such as an iRNA or a plasmid from which an iRNA is transcribed. SNALPs are described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20060240093, 20070135372, and in International Application No. WO 2009082817. These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

“Introducing into a cell,” when referring to an iRNA, means facilitating or effecting uptake or absorption into the cell, as is understood by those skilled in the art. Absorption or uptake of an iRNA can occur through unaided diffusive or active cellular processes, or by auxiliary agents or devices. The meaning of this term is not limited to cells in vitro; an iRNA may also be “introduced into a cell,” wherein the cell is part of a living organism. In such an instance, introduction into the cell will include the delivery to the organism. For example, for in vivo delivery, iRNA can be injected into a tissue site or administered systemically. In vivo delivery can also be by a beta-glucan delivery system, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,032,401 and 5,607,677, and U.S. Publication No. 2005/0281781, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In vitro introduction into a cell includes methods known in the art such as electroporation and lipofection. Further approaches are described herein below or known in the art.

As used herein, the term “modulate the expression of,” refers to at an least partial “inhibition” or partial “activation” of one or more EGLN gene expression in a cell treated with an iRNA composition as described herein compared to the expression of the one or more EGLN genes in an untreated cell.

The terms “activate,” “enhance,” “up-regulate the expression of,” “increase the expression of,” and the like, in so far as they refer to an EGLN gene, herein refer to the at least partial activation of the expression of an EGLN gene, as manifested by an increase in the amount of EGLN mRNA, which may be isolated from or detected in a first cell or group of cells in which an EGLN gene is transcribed and which has or have been treated such that the expression of an EGLN gene is increased, as compared to a second cell or group of cells substantially identical to the first cell or group of cells but which has or have not been so treated (control cells).

In one embodiment, expression of an EGLN gene is activated by at least about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% by administration of an iRNA as described herein. In some embodiments, an EGLN gene is activated by at least about 60%, 70%, or 80% by administration of an iRNA featured in the invention. In some embodiments, expression of an EGLN gene is activated by at least about 85%, 90%, or 95% or more by administration of an iRNA as described herein. In some embodiments, EGLN gene expression is increased by at least 1-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, at least 50-fold, at least 100-fold, at least 500-fold, at least 1000 fold or more in cells treated with an iRNA as described herein compared to the expression in an untreated cell. Activation of expression by small dsRNAs is described, for example, in Li et al., 2006 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 103:17337-42, and in US20070111963 and US2005226848, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The terms “silence,” “inhibit the expression of,” “down-regulate the expression of,” “suppress the expression of,” and the like, in so far as they refer to an EGLN gene, herein refer to the at least partial suppression of the expression of an EGLN gene, as manifested by a reduction of the amount of EGLN mRNA which may be isolated from or detected in a first cell or group of cells in which an EGLN gene is transcribed and which has or have been treated such that the expression of an EGLN gene is inhibited, as compared to a second cell or group of cells substantially identical to the first cell or group of cells but which has or have not been so treated (control cells). The degree of inhibition is usually expressed in terms of

${\frac{\left( {{mRNA}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{control}\mspace{14mu}{cells}} \right) - \left( {{mRNA}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{treated}\mspace{14mu}{cells}} \right)}{\left( {{mRNA}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{control}\mspace{14mu}{cells}} \right)} \cdot 100}\%$

Alternatively, the degree of inhibition may be given in terms of a reduction of a parameter that is functionally linked to EGLN gene expression, e.g., the amount of protein encoded by an EGLN gene, or the number of cells displaying a certain phenotype, e.g., lack of or decreased cytokine production. In principle, EGLN gene silencing may be determined in any cell expressing EGLN, either constitutively or by genomic engineering, and by any appropriate assay. However, when a reference is needed in order to determine whether a given iRNA inhibits the expression of an EGLN gene by a certain degree and therefore is encompassed by the instant invention, the assays provided in the Examples below shall serve as such reference.

For example, in certain instances, expression of an EGLN gene is suppressed by at least about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% by administration of an iRNA featured in the invention. In some embodiments, an EGLN gene is suppressed by at least about 60%, 70%, or 80% by administration of an iRNA featured in the invention. In some embodiments, an EGLN gene is suppressed by at least about 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or more by administration of an iRNA as described herein.

As used herein in the context of EGLN expression, the terms “treat,” “treatment,” and the like, refer to relief from or alleviation of pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression. In the context of the present invention insofar as it relates to any of the other conditions recited herein below (other than pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression), the terms “treat,” “treatment,” and the like mean to relieve or alleviate at least one symptom associated with such condition, or to slow or reverse the progression or anticipated progression of such condition, such as slowing the progression of a malignancy or cancer, treating anemia, hypoxia, neurological conditions including degeneration, renal disease or failure, and cancers including those of the blood, bone and marrow.

By “lower” in the context of a disease marker or symptom is meant a statistically significant decrease in such level. The decrease can be, for example, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40% or more, and is preferably down to a level accepted as within the range of normal for an individual without such disorder.

As used herein, the phrases “therapeutically effective amount” and “prophylactically effective amount” refer to an amount that provides a therapeutic benefit in the treatment, prevention, or management of pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression or an overt symptom of pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression. In one embodiment, a therapeutically effective amount is that amount of iRNA agent or agents which result in the increased production of erythropoietin in the system being treated. The specific amount that is therapeutically effective can be readily determined by an ordinary medical practitioner, and may vary depending on factors known in the art, such as, for example, the type of pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression, the patient's history and age, the stage of pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression, and the administration of other agents that inhibit pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression.

As used herein, a “pharmaceutical composition” comprises a pharmacologically effective amount of an iRNA and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, “pharmacologically effective amount,” “therapeutically effective amount” or simply “effective amount” refers to that amount of an iRNA effective to produce the intended pharmacological, therapeutic or preventive result. For example, if a given clinical treatment is considered effective when there is at least a 10% reduction in a measurable parameter associated with a disease or disorder, a therapeutically effective amount of a drug for the treatment of that disease or disorder is the amount necessary to effect at least a 10% reduction in that parameter. For example, a therapeutically effective amount of an iRNA targeting EGLN can reduce EGLN protein levels by at least 10% or may result in the increase in EPO production by at least 1%, 5%, 10% or more.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to a carrier for administration of a therapeutic agent. Such carriers include, but are not limited to, saline, buffered saline, dextrose, water, glycerol, ethanol, and combinations thereof. The term specifically excludes cell culture medium. For drugs administered orally, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as inert diluents, disintegrating agents, binding agents, lubricating agents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents and preservatives. Suitable inert diluents include sodium and calcium carbonate, sodium and calcium phosphate, and lactose, while corn starch and alginic acid are suitable disintegrating agents. Binding agents may include starch and gelatin, while the lubricating agent, if present, will generally be magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. If desired, the tablets may be coated with a material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, to delay absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Agents included in drug formulations are described further herein below.

II. Double-stranded Ribonucleic Acid (dsRNA)

Described herein are iRNA agents that inhibit the expression of one or more EGLN genes. In one embodiment, the iRNA agent includes double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) molecules for inhibiting the expression of an EGLN gene in a cell or mammal, e.g., in a human having anemia, hypoxia, neurological conditions including degeneration, renal disease or failure, or cancers including those of the blood, bone and marrow where the dsRNA includes an antisense strand having a region of complementarity which is complementary to at least a part of an mRNA formed in the expression of an EGLN gene, and where the region of complementarity is 30 nucleotides or less in length, generally 19-24 nucleotides in length, and where the dsRNA, upon contact with a cell expressing the EGLN gene, inhibits the expression of the EGLN gene by at least 10% as assayed by, for example, a PCR or branched DNA (bDNA)-based method, or by a protein-based method, such as by Western blot. In one embodiment, the iRNA agent activates the expression of an EGLN gene in a cell or mammal Expression of an EGLN gene in cell culture, such as in COS cells, HeLa cells, primary hepatocytes, kidney cells, HEK-293 cells, MDCK cells, HepG2 cells, primary cultured cells or in a biological sample from a subject can be assayed by measuring EGLN mRNA levels, such as by bDNA or TaqMan assay, or by measuring protein levels, such as by immunofluorescence analysis, using, for example, Western Blotting or flowcytometric techniques.

A dsRNA includes two RNA strands that are sufficiently complementary to hybridize to form a duplex structure under conditions in which the dsRNA will be used. One strand of a dsRNA (the antisense strand) includes a region of complementarity that is substantially complementary, and generally fully complementary, to a target sequence, derived from the sequence of an mRNA formed during the expression of an EGLN gene. The other strand (the sense strand) includes a region that is complementary to the antisense strand, such that the two strands hybridize and form a duplex structure when combined under suitable conditions. Generally, the duplex structure is between 15 and 30 inclusive, more generally between 18 and 25 inclusive, yet more generally between 19 and 24 inclusive, and most generally between 19 and 21 base pairs in length, inclusive. Similarly, the region of complementarity to the target sequence is between 15 and 30 inclusive, more generally between 18 and 25 inclusive, yet more generally between 19 and 24 inclusive, and most generally between 19 and 21 nucleotides in length, inclusive. In some embodiments, the dsRNA is between 15 and 20 nucleotides in length, inclusive, and in other embodiments, the dsRNA is between 25 and 30 nucleotides in length, inclusive. As the ordinarily skilled person will recognize, the targeted region of an RNA targeted for cleavage will most often be part of a larger RNA molecule, often an mRNA molecule. Where relevant, a “part” of an mRNA target is a contiguous sequence of an mRNA target of sufficient length to be a substrate for RNAi-directed cleavage (i.e., cleavage through a RISC pathway). dsRNAs having duplexes as short as 9 base pairs can, under some circumstances, mediate RNAi-directed RNA cleavage. Most often a target will be at least 15 nucleotides in length, preferably 15-30 nucleotides in length.

One of skill in the art will also recognize that the duplex region is a primary functional portion of a dsRNA, e.g., a duplex region of 9 to 36, e.g., 15-30 base pairs. Thus, in one embodiment, to the extent that it becomes processed to a functional duplex of e.g., 15-30 base pairs that targets a desired RNA for cleavage, an RNA molecule or complex of RNA molecules having a duplex region greater than 30 base pairs is a dsRNA. Thus, an ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that in one embodiment, then, a miRNA is a dsRNA. In another embodiment, a dsRNA is not a naturally occurring miRNA. In another embodiment, an iRNA agent useful to target EGLN expression is not generated in the target cell by cleavage of a larger dsRNA.

A dsRNA as described herein may further include one or more single-stranded nucleotide overhangs. The dsRNA can be synthesized by standard methods known in the art as further discussed below, e.g., by use of an automated DNA synthesizer, such as are commercially available from, for example, Biosearch, Applied Biosystems, Inc. In one embodiment, an EGLN gene is a human EGLN gene. In another embodiment the EGLN gene is a mouse or a rat EGLN gene. In specific embodiments, the first sequence is a sense strand of a dsRNA that includes a sense sequence from Tables 2A-F and 6A-C, and the second sequence is selected from the group consisting of the corresponding antisense sequences of Tables 2A-F and 6A-C. Alternative dsRNA agents that target elsewhere in the target sequence provided in Tables 2A-F and 6A-C can readily be determined using the target sequence and the flanking EGLN sequence.

In one aspect, a dsRNA will include at least nucleotide sequences, whereby the sense strand is selected from the groups of sequences provided in Tables 2A-F and 6A-C, and the corresponding antisense strand of the sense strand selected from Tables 2A-F and 6A-C. In this aspect, one of the two sequences is complementary to the other of the two sequences, with one of the sequences being substantially complementary to a sequence of an mRNA generated in the expression of an EGLN gene. As such, in this aspect, a dsRNA will include two oligonucleotides, where one oligonucleotide is described as the sense strand in Tables 2A-F and 6A-C, and the second oligonucleotide is described as the corresponding antisense strand of the sense strand from Tables 2A-F and 6A-C. As described elsewhere herein and as known in the art, the complementary sequences of a dsRNA can also be contained as self-complementary regions of a single nucleic acid molecule, as opposed to being on separate oligonucleotides.

The skilled person is well aware that dsRNAs having a duplex structure of between 20 and 23, but specifically 21, base pairs have been hailed as particularly effective in inducing RNA interference (Elbashir et al., EMBO 2001, 20:6877-6888). However, others have found that shorter or longer RNA duplex structures can be effective as well. In the embodiments described above, by virtue of the nature of the oligonucleotide sequences provided in Tables 2A-F and 6A-C, dsRNAs described herein can include at least one strand of a length of minimally 21 nt. It can be reasonably expected that shorter duplexes having one of the sequences of Tables 2A-F and 6A-C minus only a few nucleotides on one or both ends may be similarly effective as compared to the dsRNAs described above. Hence, dsRNAs having a partial sequence of at least 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more contiguous nucleotides from one of the sequences of Tables 2A-F and 6A-C, and differing in their ability to inhibit the expression of an EGLN gene by not more than 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30% inhibition from a dsRNA comprising the full sequence, are contemplated according to the invention.

In addition, the RNAs provided in Tables 2A-F and 6A-C identify a site in an EGLN transcript that is susceptible to RISC-mediated cleavage. As such, the present invention further features iRNAs that target within one of such sequences. As used herein, an iRNA is said to target within a particular site of an RNA transcript if the iRNA promotes cleavage of the transcript anywhere within that particular site. Such an iRNA will generally include at least 15 contiguous nucleotides from one of the sequences provided in Tables 2A-F and 6A-C coupled to additional nucleotide sequences taken from the region contiguous to the selected sequence in an EGLN gene.

While a target sequence is generally 15-30 nucleotides in length, there is wide variation in the suitability of particular sequences in this range for directing cleavage of any given target RNA. Various software packages and the guidelines set out herein provide guidance for the identification of optimal target sequences for any given gene target, but an empirical approach can also be taken in which a “window” or “mask” of a given size (as a non-limiting example, 21 nucleotides) is literally or figuratively (including, e.g., in silico) placed on the target RNA sequence to identify sequences in the size range that may serve as target sequences. By moving the sequence “window” progressively one nucleotide upstream or downstream of an initial target sequence location, the next potential target sequence can be identified, until the complete set of possible sequences is identified for any given target size selected. This process, coupled with systematic synthesis and testing of the identified sequences (using assays as described herein or as known in the art) to identify those sequences that perform optimally can identify those RNA sequences that, when targeted with an iRNA agent, mediate the best inhibition of target gene expression. Thus, while the sequences identified, for example, in Tables 2A-F and 6A-C represent effective target sequences, it is contemplated that further optimization of inhibition efficiency can be achieved by progressively “walking the window” one nucleotide upstream or downstream of the given sequences to identify sequences with equal or better inhibition characteristics.

Further, it is contemplated that for any sequence identified, e.g., in Tables 2A-F and 6A-C, further optimization could be achieved by systematically either adding or removing nucleotides to generate longer or shorter sequences and testing those and sequences generated by walking a window of the longer or shorter size up or down the target RNA from that point. Again, coupling this approach to generating new candidate targets with testing for effectiveness of iRNAs based on those target sequences in an inhibition assay as known in the art or as described herein can lead to further improvements in the efficiency of inhibition. Further still, such optimized sequences can be adjusted by, e.g., the introduction of modified nucleotides as described herein or as known in the art, addition or changes in overhang, or other modifications as known in the art and/or discussed herein to further optimize the molecule (e.g., increasing serum stability or circulating half-life, increasing thermal stability, enhancing transmembrane delivery, targeting to a particular location or cell type, increasing interaction with silencing pathway enzymes, increasing release from endosomes, etc.) as an expression inhibitor.

An iRNA as described herein can contain one or more mismatches to the target sequence. In one embodiment, an iRNA as described herein contains no more than 3 mismatches. If the antisense strand of the iRNA contains mismatches to a target sequence, it is preferable that the area of mismatch not be located in the center of the region of complementarity. If the antisense strand of the iRNA contains mismatches to the target sequence, it is preferable that the mismatch be restricted to be within the last 5 nucleotides from either the 5′ or 3′ end of the region of complementarity. For example, for a 23 nucleotide iRNA agent RNA strand which is complementary to a region of an EGLN gene, the RNA strand generally does not contain any mismatch within the central 13 nucleotides. The methods described herein or methods known in the art can be used to determine whether an iRNA containing a mismatch to a target sequence is effective in inhibiting the expression of an EGLN gene. Consideration of the efficacy of iRNAs with mismatches in inhibiting expression of an EGLN gene is important, especially if the particular region of complementarity in an EGLN gene is known to have polymorphic sequence variation within the population.

In one embodiment, at least one end of a dsRNA has a single-stranded nucleotide overhang of 1 to 4, generally 1 or 2 nucleotides. dsRNAs having at least one nucleotide overhang have unexpectedly superior inhibitory properties relative to their blunt-ended counterparts. In yet another embodiment, the RNA of an iRNA, e.g., a dsRNA, is chemically modified to enhance stability or other beneficial characteristics. The nucleic acids featured in the invention may be synthesized and/or modified by methods well established in the art, such as those described in “Current protocols in nucleic acid chemistry,” Beaucage, S. L. et al. (Edrs.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y., USA, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Modifications include, for example, (a) end modifications, e.g., 5′ end modifications (phosphorylation, conjugation, inverted linkages, etc.) 3′ end modifications (conjugation, DNA nucleotides, inverted linkages, etc.), (b) base modifications, e.g., replacement with stabilizing bases, destabilizing bases, or bases that base pair with an expanded repertoire of partners, removal of bases (abasic nucleotides), or conjugated bases, (c) sugar modifications (e.g., at the 2′ position or 4′ position) or replacement of the sugar, as well as (d) backbone modifications, including modification or replacement of the phosphodiester linkages. Specific examples of RNA compounds useful in this invention include, but are not limited to RNAs containing modified backbones or no natural internucleoside linkages. RNAs having modified backbones include, among others, those that do not have a phosphorus atom in the backbone. For the purposes of this specification, and as sometimes referenced in the art, modified RNAs that do not have a phosphorus atom in their internucleoside backbone can also be considered to be oligonucleosides. In particular embodiments, the modified RNA will have a phosphorus atom in its internucleoside backbone.

Modified RNA backbones include, for example, phosphorothioates, chiral phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, phosphotriesters, aminoalkylphosphotriesters, methyl and other alkyl phosphonates including 3′-alkylene phosphonates and chiral phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphoramidates including 3′-amino phosphoramidate and aminoalkylphosphoramidates, thionophosphoramidates, thionoalkylphosphonates, thionoalkylphosphotriesters, and boranophosphates having normal 3′-5′ linkages, 2′-5′ linked analogs of these, and those) having inverted polarity wherein the adjacent pairs of nucleoside units are linked 3′-5′ to 5′-3′ or 2′-5′ to 5′-2′. Various salts, mixed salts and free acid forms are also included.

Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of the above phosphorus-containing linkages include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,687,808; 4,469,863; 4,476,301; 5,023,243; 5,177,195; 5,188,897; 5,264,423; 5,276,019; 5,278,302; 5,286,717; 5,321,131; 5,399,676; 5,405,939; 5,453,496; 5,455,233; 5,466,677; 5,476,925; 5,519,126; 5,536,821; 5,541,316; 5,550,111; 5,563,253; 5,571,799; 5,587,361; 5,625,050; 6,028,188; 6,124,445; 6,160,109; 6,169,170; 6,172,209; 6,239,265; 6,277,603; 6,326,199; 6,346,614; 6,444,423; 6,531,590; 6,534,639; 6,608,035; 6,683,167; 6,858,715; 6,867,294; 6,878,805; 7,015,315; 7,041,816; 7,273,933; 7,321,029; and U.S. Pat. No. RE39,464, each of which is herein incorporated by reference

Modified RNA backbones that do not include a phosphorus atom therein have backbones that are formed by short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, mixed heteroatoms and alkyl or cycloalkyl internucleoside linkages, or one or more short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic internucleoside linkages. These include those having morpholino linkages (formed in part from the sugar portion of a nucleoside); siloxane backbones; sulfide, sulfoxide and sulfone backbones; formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; methylene formacetyl and thioformacetyl backbones; alkene containing backbones; sulfamate backbones; methyleneimino and methylenehydrazino backbones; sulfonate and sulfonamide backbones; amide backbones; and others having mixed N, O, S and CH₂ component parts.

Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of the above oligonucleosides include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,506; 5,166,315; 5,185,444; 5,214,134; 5,216,141; 5,235,033; 5,64,562; 5,264,564; 5,405,938; 5,434,257; 5,466,677; 5,470,967; 5,489,677; 5,541,307; 5,561,225; 5,596,086; 5,602,240; 5,608,046; 5,610,289; 5,618,704; 5,623,070; 5,663,312; 5,633,360; 5,677,437; and, 5,677,439, each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

In other RNA mimetics suitable or contemplated for use in iRNAs, both the sugar and the internucleoside linkage, i.e., the backbone, of the nucleotide units are replaced with novel groups. The base units are maintained for hybridization with an appropriate nucleic acid target compound. One such oligomeric compound, an RNA mimetic that has been shown to have excellent hybridization properties, is referred to as a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). In PNA compounds, the sugar backbone of an RNA is replaced with an amide containing backbone, in particular an aminoethylglycine backbone. The nucleobases are retained and are bound directly or indirectly to aza nitrogen atoms of the amide portion of the backbone. Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of PNA compounds include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,082; 5,714,331; and 5,719,262, each of which is herein incorporated by reference. Further teaching of PNA compounds can be found, for example, in Nielsen et al., Science, 1991, 254, 1497-1500.

Some embodiments featured in the invention include RNAs with phosphorothioate backbones and oligonucleosides with heteroatom backbones, and in particular —CH₂—NH—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—O—CH₂—[known as a methylene (methylimino) or MMI backbone], —CH₂—O—N(CH₃)—CH₂—, —CH₂—N(CH₃)—N(CH₃)—CH₂— and —N(CH₃)—CH₂—CH₂—[wherein the native phosphodiester backbone is represented as —O—P—O—CH₂—] of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,677, and the amide backbones of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,240. In some embodiments, the RNAs featured herein have morpholino backbone structures of the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,506.

Modified RNAs may also contain one or more substituted sugar moieties. The iRNAs, e.g., dsRNAs, featured herein can include one of the following at the 2′ position: OH; F; O—, S—, or N-alkyl; O—, S—, or N-alkenyl; O—, S— or N-alkynyl; or O-alkyl-O-alkyl, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl may be substituted or unsubstituted C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl or C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl and alkynyl. Exemplary suitable modifications include O[(CH₂)_(n)O]_(m)CH₃, O(CH₂)._(n)OCH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)NH₂, O(CH₂)_(n)CH₃, O(CH₂)_(n)ONH₂, and O(CH₂)_(n)ON[(CH₂)_(n)CH₃)]₂, where n and m are from 1 to about 10. In other embodiments, dsRNAs include one of the following at the 2′ position: C₁ to C₁₀ lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, SCH₃, OCN, Cl, Br, CN, CF₃, OCF₃, SOCH₃, SO₂CH₃, ONO₂, NO₂, N₃, NH₂, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalkylamino, substituted silyl, an RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalator, a group for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of an iRNA, or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an iRNA, and other substituents having similar properties. In some embodiments, the modification includes a 2′-methoxyethoxy (2′-O—CH₂CH₂OCH₃, also known as 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) or 2′-MOE) (Martin et al., Hely. Chim. Acta, 1995, 78:486-504) i.e., an alkoxy-alkoxy group. Another exemplary modification is 2′-dimethylaminooxyethoxy, i.e., a O(CH₂)₂ON(CH₃)₂ group, also known as 2′-DMAOE, as described in examples herein below, and 2′-dimethylaminoethoxyethoxy (also known in the art as 2′-O-dimethylaminoethoxyethyl or 2′-DMAEOE), i.e., 2′-O—CH₂—O—CH₂—N(CH₂)₂, also described in examples herein below.

Other modifications include 2′-methoxy (2′-OCH₃), 2′-aminopropoxy (2′-OCH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂) and 2′-fluoro (2′-F). Similar modifications may also be made at other positions on the RNA of an iRNA, particularly the 3′ position of the sugar on the 3′ terminal nucleotide or in 2′-5′ linked dsRNAs and the 5′ position of 5′ terminal nucleotide. iRNAs may also have sugar mimetics such as cyclobutyl moieties in place of the pentofuranosyl sugar. Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of such modified sugar structures include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,981,957; 5,118,800; 5,319,080; 5,359,044; 5,393,878; 5,446,137; 5,466,786; 5,514,785; 5,519,134; 5,567,811; 5,576,427; 5,591,722; 5,597,909; 5,610,300; 5,627,053; 5,639,873; 5,646,265; 5,658,873; 5,670,633; and 5,700,920, certain of which are commonly owned with the instant application, and each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

An iRNA may also include nucleobase (often referred to in the art simply as “base”) modifications or substitutions. As used herein, “unmodified” or “natural” nucleobases include the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine (G), and the pyrimidine bases thymine (T), cytosine (C) and uracil (U). Modified nucleobases include other synthetic and natural nucleobases such as 5-methylcytosine (5-me-C), 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, 2-aminoadenine, 6-methyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine and guanine, 2-thiouracil, 2-thiothymine and 2-thiocytosine, 5-halouracil and cytosine, 5-propynyl uracil and cytosine, 6-azo uracil, cytosine and thymine, 5-uracil (pseudouracil), 4-thiouracil, 8-halo, 8-amino, 8-thiol, 8-thioalkyl, 8-hydroxyl anal other 8-substituted adenines and guanines, 5-halo, particularly 5-bromo, 5-trifluoromethyl and other 5-substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine and 7-methyladenine, 8-azaguanine and 8-azaadenine, 7-deazaguanine and 7-daazaadenine and 3-deazaguanine and 3-deazaadenine. Further nucleobases include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808, those disclosed in Modified Nucleosides in Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Medicine, Herdewijn, P. ed. Wiley-VCH, 2008; those disclosed in The Concise Encyclopedia Of Polymer Science And Engineering, pages 858-859, Kroschwitz, J. L, ed. John Wiley & Sons, 1990, these disclosed by Englisch et al., Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 1991, 30, 613, and those disclosed by Sanghvi, Y S., Chapter 15, dsRNA Research and Applications, pages 289-302, Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., Ed., CRC Press, 1993. Certain of these nucleobases are particularly useful for increasing the binding affinity of the oligomeric compounds featured in the invention. These include 5-substituted pyrimidines, 6-azapyrimidines and N-2, N-6 and 0-6 substituted purines, including 2-aminopropyladenine, 5-propynyluracil and 5-propynylcytosine. 5-methylcytosine substitutions have been shown to increase nucleic acid duplex stability by 0.6-1.2° C. (Sanghvi, Y. S., Crooke, S. T. and Lebleu, B., Eds., dsRNA Research and Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993, pp. 276-278) and are exemplary base substitutions, even more particularly when combined with 2′-O-methoxyethyl sugar modifications.

Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of certain of the above noted modified nucleobases as well as other modified nucleobases include, but are not limited to, the above noted U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808, as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,845,205; 513,030; 5,134,066; 5,175,273; 5,367,066; 5,432,272; 5,457,187; 5,459,255; 5,484,908; 5,502,177; 5,525,711; 5,552,540; 5,587,469; 5,594,121; 5,596,091; 5,614,617; 5,681,941; 6,015,886; 6,147,200; 6,166,197; 6,222,025; 6,235,887; 6,380,368; 6,528,640; 6,639,062; 6,617,438; 7,045,610; 7,427,672; and 7,495,088, each of which is herein incorporated by reference, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,692, also herein incorporated by reference.

The RNA of an iRNA can also be modified to include one or more locked nucleic acids (LNA). A locked nucleic acid is a nucleotide having a modified ribose moiety in which the ribose moiety comprises an extra bridge connecting the 2′ and 4′ carbons. This structure effectively “locks” the ribose in the 3′-endo structural conformation. The addition of locked nucleic acids to siRNAs has been shown to increase siRNA stability in serum, and to reduce off-target effects (Elmen, J. et al., (2005) Nucleic Acids Research 33(1):439-447; Mook, O R. et al., (2007) Mol Canc Ther 6(3):833-843; Grunweller, A. et al., (2003) Nucleic Acids Research 31(12):3185-3193).

Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of locked nucleic acid nucleotides include, but are not limited to, the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,268,490; 6,670,461; 6,794,499; 6,998,484; 7,053,207; 7,084,125; and 7,399,845, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Another modification of the RNA of an iRNA featured in the invention involves chemically linking to the RNA one or more ligands, moieties or conjugates that enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the iRNA. Such moieties include but are not limited to lipid moieties such as a cholesterol moiety (Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acid. Sci. USA, 1989, 86: 6553-6556), cholic acid (Manoharan et al., Biorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1994, 4:1053-1060), a thioether, e.g., beryl-5-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660:306-309; Manoharan et al., Biorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1993, 3:2765-2770), a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20:533-538), an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., EMBO J, 1991, 10:1111-1118; Kabanov et al., FEBS Lett., 1990, 259:327-330; Svinarchuk et al., Biochimie, 1993, 75:49-54), a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethyl-ammonium 1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphonate (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651-3654; Shea et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18:3777-3783), a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, 14:969-973), or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651-3654), a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264:229-237), or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyloxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277:923-937).

In one embodiment, a ligand alters the distribution, targeting or lifetime of an iRNA agent into which it is incorporated. In preferred embodiments a ligand provides an enhanced affinity for a selected target, e.g., molecule, cell or cell type, compartment, e.g., a cellular or organ compartment, tissue, organ or region of the body, as, e.g., compared to a species absent such a ligand. Preferred ligands will not take part in duplex pairing in a duplexed nucleic acid.

Ligands can include a naturally occurring substance, such as a protein (e.g., human serum albumin (HSA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or globulin); carbohydrate (e.g., a dextran, pullulan, chitin, chitosan, inulin, cyclodextrin or hyaluronic acid); or a lipid. The ligand may also be a recombinant or synthetic molecule, such as a synthetic polymer, e.g., a synthetic polyamino acid. Examples of polyamino acids include polyamino acid is a polylysine (PLL), poly L-aspartic acid, poly L-glutamic acid, styrene-maleic acid anhydride copolymer, poly(L-lactide-co-glycolied) copolymer, divinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer, N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer (HMPA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane, poly(2-ethylacryllic acid), N-isopropylacrylamide polymers, or polyphosphazine. Example of polyamines include: polyethylenimine, polylysine (PLL), spermine, spermidine, polyamine, pseudopeptide-polyamine, peptidomimetic polyamine, dendrimer polyamine, arginine, amidine, protamine, cationic lipid, cationic porphyrin, quaternary salt of a polyamine, or an alpha helical peptide.

Ligands can also include targeting groups, e.g., a cell or tissue targeting agent, e.g., a lectin, glycoprotein, lipid or protein, e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type such as a kidney cell. A targeting group can be a thyrotropin, melanotropin, lectin, glycoprotein, surfactant protein A, Mucin carbohydrate, multivalent lactose, multivalent galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-gulucosamine multivalent mannose, multivalent fucose, glycosylated polyaminoacids, multivalent galactose, transferrin, bisphosphonate, polyglutamate, polyaspartate, a lipid, cholesterol, a steroid, bile acid, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, or an RGD peptide or RGD peptide mimetic.

Other examples of ligands include dyes, intercalating agents (e.g. acridines), cross-linkers (e.g. psoralene, mitomycin C), porphyrins (TPPC4, texaphyrin, Sapphyrin), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., phenazine, dihydrophenazine), artificial endonucleases (e.g. EDTA), lipophilic molecules, e.g., cholesterol, cholic acid, adamantane acetic acid, 1-pyrene butyric acid, dihydrotestosterone, 1,3-Bis-O(hexadecyl)glycerol, geranyloxyhexyl group, hexadecylglycerol, borneol, menthol, 1,3-propanediol, heptadecyl group, palmitic acid, myristic acid,O3-(oleoyl)lithocholic acid, O3-(oleoyl)cholenic acid, dimethoxytrityl, or phenoxazine) and peptide conjugates (e.g., antennapedia peptide, Tat peptide), alkylating agents, phosphate, amino, mercapto, PEG (e.g., PEG-40K), MPEG, [MPEG]₂, polyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, radiolabeled markers, enzymes, haptens (e.g. biotin), transport/absorption facilitators (e.g., aspirin, vitamin E, folic acid), synthetic ribonucleases (e.g., imidazole, bisimidazole, histamine, imidazole clusters, acridine-imidazole conjugates, Eu3+ complexes of tetraazamacrocycles), dinitrophenyl, HRP, or AP.

Ligands can be proteins, e.g., glycoproteins, or peptides, e.g., molecules having a specific affinity for a co-ligand, or antibodies e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type such as a cancer cell, endothelial cell, or bone cell. Ligands may also include hormones and hormone receptors. They can also include non-peptidic species, such as lipids, lectins, carbohydrates, vitamins, cofactors, multivalent lactose, multivalent galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-gulucosamine multivalent mannose, or multivalent fucose. The ligand can be, for example, a lipopolysaccharide, an activator of p38 MAP kinase, or an activator of NF-κB.

The ligand can be a substance, e.g., a drug, which can increase the uptake of the iRNA agent into the cell, for example, by disrupting the cell's cytoskeleton, e.g., by disrupting the cell's microtubules, microfilaments, and/or intermediate filaments. The drug can be, for example, taxon, vincristine, vinblastine, cytochalasin, nocodazole, japlakinolide, latrunculin A, phalloidin, swinholide A, indanocine, or myoservin.

In one ligand, the ligand is a lipid or lipid-based molecule. Such a lipid or lipid-based molecule preferably binds a serum protein, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA). An HSA binding ligand allows for distribution of the conjugate to a target tissue, e.g., a non-kidney target tissue of the body. For example, the target tissue can be the liver, including parenchymal cells of the liver. Other molecules that can bind HSA can also be used as ligands. For example, neproxin or aspirin can be used. A lipid or lipid-based ligand can (a) increase resistance to degradation of the conjugate, (b) increase targeting or transport into a target cell or cell membrane, and/or (c) can be used to adjust binding to a serum protein, e.g., HSA.

A lipid based ligand can be used to modulate, e.g., control the binding of the conjugate to a target tissue. For example, a lipid or lipid-based ligand that binds to HSA more strongly will be less likely to be targeted to the kidney and therefore less likely to be cleared from the body. A lipid or lipid-based ligand that binds to HSA less strongly can be used to target the conjugate to the kidney.

In a preferred embodiment, the lipid based ligand binds HSA. Preferably, it binds HSA with a sufficient affinity such that the conjugate will be preferably distributed to a non-kidney tissue. However, it is preferred that the affinity not be so strong that the HSA-ligand binding cannot be reversed.

In another preferred embodiment, the lipid based ligand binds HSA weakly or not at all, such that the conjugate will be preferably distributed to the kidney. Other moieties that target to kidney cells can also be used in place of or in addition to the lipid based ligand.

In another aspect, the ligand is a moiety, e.g., a vitamin, which is taken up by a target cell, e.g., a proliferating cell. These are particularly useful for treating disorders characterized by unwanted cell proliferation, e.g., of the malignant or non-malignant type, e.g., cancer cells. Exemplary vitamins include vitamin A, E, and K. Other exemplary vitamins include are B vitamin, e.g., folic acid, B12, riboflavin, biotin, pyridoxal or other vitamins or nutrients taken up by cancer cells. Also included are HSA and low density lipoprotein (LDL).

In another aspect, the ligand is a cell-permeation agent, preferably a helical cell-permeation agent. Preferably, the agent is amphipathic. An exemplary agent is a peptide such as tat or antennopedia. If the agent is a peptide, it can be modified, including a peptidylmimetic, invertomers, non-peptide or pseudo-peptide linkages, and use of D-amino acids. The helical agent is preferably an alpha-helical agent, which preferably has a lipophilic and a lipophobic phase.

The ligand can be a peptide or peptidomimetic. A peptidomimetic (also referred to herein as an oligopeptidomimetic) is a molecule capable of folding into a defined three-dimensional structure similar to a natural peptide. The attachment of peptide and peptidomimetics to iRNA agents can affect pharmacokinetic distribution of the iRNA, such as by enhancing cellular recognition and absorption. The peptide or peptidomimetic moiety can be about 5-50 amino acids long, e.g., about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 amino acids long.

A peptide or peptidomimetic can be, for example, a cell permeation peptide, cationic peptide, amphipathic peptide, or hydrophobic peptide (e.g., consisting primarily of Tyr, Trp or Phe). The peptide moiety can be a dendrimer peptide, constrained peptide or crosslinked peptide. In another alternative, the peptide moiety can include a hydrophobic membrane translocation sequence (MTS). An exemplary hydrophobic MTS-containing peptide is RFGF having the amino acid sequence AAVALLPAVLLALLAP (SEQ ID NO:1). An RFGF analogue (e.g., amino acid sequence AALLPVLLAAP (SEQ ID NO:2)) containing a hydrophobic MTS can also be a targeting moiety. The peptide moiety can be a “delivery” peptide, which can carry large polar molecules including peptides, oligonucleotides, and protein across cell membranes. For example, sequences from the HIV Tat protein (GRKKRRQRRRPPQ (SEQ ID NO:3)) and the Drosophila antennapedia protein (RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK (SEQ ID NO: 4)) have been found to be capable of functioning as delivery peptides. A peptide or peptidomimetic can be encoded by a random sequence of DNA, such as a peptide identified from a phage-display library, or one-bead-one-compound (OBOC) combinatorial library (Lam et al., Nature, 354:82-84, 1991). Preferably the peptide or peptidomimetic tethered to a dsRNA agent via an incorporated monomer unit is a cell targeting peptide such as an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-peptide, or RGD mimic A peptide moiety can range in length from about 5 amino acids to about 40 amino acids. The peptide moieties can have a structural modification, such as to increase stability or direct conformational properties. Any of the structural modifications described below can be utilized.

An RGD peptide moiety can be used to target a tumor cell, such as an endothelial tumor cell or a breast cancer tumor cell (Zitzmann et al., Cancer Res., 62:5139-43, 2002). An RGD peptide can facilitate targeting of an dsRNA agent to tumors of a variety of other tissues, including the lung, kidney, spleen, or liver (Aoki et al., Cancer Gene Therapy 8:783-787, 2001). Preferably, the RGD peptide will facilitate targeting of an iRNA agent to the kidney. The RGD peptide can be linear or cyclic, and can be modified, e.g., glycosylated or methylated to facilitate targeting to specific tissues. For example, a glycosylated RGD peptide can deliver a iRNA agent to a tumor cell expressing α_(v)β₃ (Haubner et al., Jour. Nucl. Med., 42:326-336, 2001).

A “cell permeation peptide” is capable of permeating a cell, e.g., a microbial cell, such as a bacterial or fungal cell, or a mammalian cell, such as a human cell. A microbial cell-permeating peptide can be, for example, an α-helical linear peptide (e.g., LL-37 or Ceropin P1), a disulfide bond-containing peptide (e.g., α-defensin, (β-defensin or bactenecin), or a peptide containing only one or two dominating amino acids (e.g., PR-39 or indolicidin). A cell permeation peptide can also include a nuclear localization signal (NLS). For example, a cell permeation peptide can be a bipartite amphipathic peptide, such as MPG, which is derived from the fusion peptide domain of HIV-1 gp41 and the NLS of SV40 large T antigen (Simeoni et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 31:2717-2724, 2003).

Representative U.S. patents that teach the preparation of RNA conjugates include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,979; 4,948,882; 5,218,105; 5,525,465; 5,541,313; 5,545,730; 5,552,538; 5,578,717, 5,580,731; 5,591,584; 5,109,124; 5,118,802; 5,138,045; 5,414,077; 5,486,603; 5,512,439; 5,578,718; 5,608,046; 4,587,044; 4,605,735; 4,667,025; 4,762,779; 4,789,737; 4,824,941; 4,835,263; 4,876,335; 4,904,582; 4,958,013; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,082,830; 5,112,963; 5,214,136; 5,245,022; 5,254,469; 5,258,506; 5,262,536; 5,272,250; 5,292,873; 5,317,098; 5,371,241, 5,391,723; 5,416,203, 5,451,463; 5,510,475; 5,512,667; 5,514,785; 5,565,552; 5,567,810; 5,574,142; 5,585,481; 5,587,371; 5,595,726; 5,597,696; 5,599,923; 5,599,928 and 5,688,941; 6,294,664; 6,320,017; 6,576,752; 6,783,931; 6,900,297; 7,037,646; each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

It is not necessary for all positions in a given compound to be uniformly modified, and in fact more than one of the aforementioned modifications may be incorporated in a single compound or even at a single nucleoside within an iRNA. The present invention also includes iRNA compounds that are chimeric compounds. “Chimeric” iRNA compounds or “chimeras,” in the context of this invention, are iRNA compounds, preferably dsRNAs, which contain two or more chemically distinct regions, each made up of at least one monomer unit, i.e., a nucleotide in the case of a dsRNA compound. These iRNAs typically contain at least one region wherein the RNA is modified so as to confer upon the iRNA increased resistance to nuclease degradation, increased cellular uptake, and/or increased binding affinity for the target nucleic acid. An additional region of the iRNA may serve as a substrate for enzymes capable of cleaving RNA:DNA or RNA:RNA hybrids. By way of example, RNase H is a cellular endonuclease which cleaves the RNA strand of an RNA:DNA duplex. Activation of RNase H, therefore, results in cleavage of the RNA target, thereby greatly enhancing the efficiency of iRNA inhibition of gene expression. Consequently, comparable results can often be obtained with shorter iRNAs when chimeric dsRNAs are used, compared to phosphorothioate deoxy dsRNAs hybridizing to the same target region. Cleavage of the RNA target can be routinely detected by gel electrophoresis and, if necessary, associated nucleic acid hybridization techniques known in the art.

In certain instances, the RNA of an iRNA can be modified by a non-ligand group. A number of non-ligand molecules have been conjugated to iRNAs in order to enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the iRNA, and procedures for performing such conjugations are available in the scientific literature. Such non-ligand moieties have included lipid moieties, such as cholesterol (Kubo, T. et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., 2007, 365(1):54-61; Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1989, 86:6553), cholic acid (Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 1994, 4:1053), a thioether, e.g., hexyl-5-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1992, 660:306; Manoharan et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Let., 1993, 3:2765), a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1992, 20:533), an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., EMBO J., 1991, 10:111; Kabanov et al., FEBS Lett., 1990, 259:327; Svinarchuk et al., Biochimie, 1993, 75:49), a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl-rac-glycerol or triethylammonium 1,2-di-O-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651; Shea et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 1990, 18:3777), a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides, 1995, 14:969), or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995, 36:3651), a palmityl moiety (Mishra et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1995, 1264:229), or an octadecylamine or hexylamino-carbonyl-oxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1996, 277:923). Representative United States patents that teach the preparation of such RNA conjugates have been listed above. Typical conjugation protocols involve the synthesis of an RNAs bearing an aminolinker at one or more positions of the sequence. The amino group is then reacted with the molecule being conjugated using appropriate coupling or activating reagents. The conjugation reaction may be performed either with the RNA still bound to the solid support or following cleavage of the RNA, in solution phase. Purification of the RNA conjugate by HPLC typically affords the pure conjugate.

Delivery of iRNA

The delivery of one or more iRNA to a subject in need thereof can be achieved in a number of different ways. In vivo delivery can be performed directly by administering a composition comprising an iRNA, e.g. a dsRNA, to a subject. Alternatively, delivery can be performed indirectly by administering one or more vectors that encode and direct the expression of the iRNA. These alternatives are discussed further below.

Direct Delivery

In general, any method of delivering a nucleic acid molecule can be adapted for use with an iRNA (see e.g., Akhtar S, and Julian R L. (1992) Trends Cell. Biol. 2(5):139-144 and WO94/02595, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). However, there are three factors that are important to consider in order to successfully deliver an iRNA molecule in vivo: (a) biological stability of the delivered molecule, (2) preventing non-specific effects, and (3) accumulation of the delivered molecule in the target tissue. The non-specific effects of an iRNA can be minimized by local administration, for example by direct injection or implantation into a tissue (as a non-limiting example, a tumor) or topically administering the preparation. Local administration to a treatment site maximizes local concentration of the agent, limits the exposure of the agent to systemic tissues that may otherwise be harmed by the agent or that may degrade the agent, and permits a lower total dose of the iRNA molecule to be administered. Several studies have shown successful knockdown of gene products when an iRNA is administered locally. For example, intraocular delivery of a VEGF dsRNA by intravitreal injection in cynomolgus monkeys (Tolentino, M J., et al (2004) Retina 24:132-138) and subretinal injections in mice (Reich, S J., et al (2003) Mol. Vis. 9:210-216) were both shown to prevent neovascularization in an experimental model of age-related macular degeneration. In addition, direct intratumoral injection of a dsRNA in mice reduces tumor volume (Pille, J., et al (2005) Mol. Ther. 11:267-274) and can prolong survival of tumor-bearing mice (Kim, W J., et al (2006) Mol. Ther. 14:343-350; Li, S., et al (2007) Mol. Ther. 15:515-523). RNA interference has also shown success with local delivery to the CNS by direct injection (Dorn, G., et al. (2004) Nucleic Acids 32:e49; Tan, P H., et al (2005) Gene Ther. 12:59-66; Makimura, H., et al (2002) BMC Neurosci. 3:18; Shishkina, G T., et al (2004) Neuroscience 129:521-528; Thakker, E R., et al (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 101:17270-17275; Akaneya, Y., et al (2005) J. Neurophysiol. 93:594-602) and to the lungs by intranasal administration (Howard, K A., et al (2006) Mol. Ther. 14:476-484; Zhang, X., et al (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279:10677-10684; Bitko, V., et al (2005) Nat. Med. 11:50-55). For administering an iRNA systemically for the treatment of a disease, the RNA can be modified or alternatively delivered using a drug delivery system; both methods act to prevent the rapid degradation of the dsRNA by endo- and exo-nucleases in vivo. Modification of the RNA or the pharmaceutical carrier can also permit targeting of the iRNA composition to the target tissue and avoid undesirable off-target effects. iRNA molecules can be modified by chemical conjugation to lipophilic groups such as cholesterol to enhance cellular uptake and prevent degradation. For example, an iRNA directed against ApoB conjugated to a lipophilic cholesterol moiety was injected systemically into mice and resulted in knockdown of apoB mRNA in both the liver and jejunum (Soutschek, J., et al (2004) Nature 432:173-178). Conjugation of an iRNA to an aptamer has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and mediate tumor regression in a mouse model of prostate cancer (McNamara, JO., et al (2006) Nat. Biotechnol. 24:1005-1015). In an alternative embodiment, the iRNA can be delivered using drug delivery systems such as a nanoparticle, a dendrimer, a polymer, liposomes, or a cationic delivery system. Positively charged cationic delivery systems facilitate binding of an iRNA molecule (negatively charged) and also enhance interactions at the negatively charged cell membrane to permit efficient uptake of an iRNA by the cell. Cationic lipids, dendrimers, or polymers can either be bound to an iRNA, or induced to form a vesicle or micelle (see e.g., Kim S H., et al (2008) Journal of Controlled Release 129(2):107-116) that encases an iRNA. The formation of vesicles or micelles further prevents degradation of the iRNA when administered systemically. Methods for making and administering cationic-iRNA complexes are well within the abilities of one skilled in the art (see e.g., Sorensen, D R., et al (2003) J. Mol. Biol. 327:761-766; Verma, U N., et al (2003) Clin. Cancer Res. 9:1291-1300; Arnold, A S et al (2007) J. Hypertens. 25:197-205, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Some non-limiting examples of drug delivery systems useful for systemic delivery of iRNAs include DOTAP (Sorensen, D R., et al (2003), supra; Verma, UN., et al (2003), supra), Oligofectamine, “solid nucleic acid lipid particles” (Zimmermann, T S., et al (2006) Nature 441:111-114), cardiolipin (Chien, P Y., et al (2005) Cancer Gene Ther. 12:321-328; Pal, A., et al (2005) Int J. Oncol. 26:1087-1091), polyethyleneimine (Bonnet M E., et al (2008) Pharm. Res. August 16 Epub ahead of print; Aigner, A. (2006) J. Biomed. Biotechnol. 71659), Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides (Liu, S. (2006) Mol. Pharm. 3:472-487), and polyamidoamines (Tomalia, D A., et al (2007) Biochem. Soc. Trans. 35:61-67; Yoo, H., et al (1999) Pharm. Res. 16:1799-1804). In some embodiments, an iRNA forms a complex with cyclodextrin for systemic administration. Methods for administration and pharmaceutical compositions of iRNAs and cyclodextrins can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,605, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Vector Encoded dsRNAs

In another aspect, iRNA targeting one or more of the EGLN genes can be expressed from transcription units inserted into DNA or RNA vectors (see, e.g., Couture, A, et al., TIG. (1996), 12:5-10; Skillern, A., et al., International PCT Publication No. WO 00/22113, Conrad, International PCT Publication No. WO 00/22114, and Conrad, U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,299). Expression can be transient (on the order of hours to weeks) or sustained (weeks to months or longer), depending upon the specific construct used and the target tissue or cell type. These transgenes can be introduced as a linear construct, a circular plasmid, or a viral vector, which can be an integrating or non-integrating vector. The transgene can also be constructed to permit it to be inherited as an extrachromosomal plasmid (Gassmann, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1995) 92:1292).

The individual strand or strands of an iRNA can be transcribed from a promoter on an expression vector. Where two separate strands are to be expressed to generate, for example, a dsRNA, two separate expression vectors can be co-introduced (e.g., by transfection or infection) into a target cell. Alternatively each individual strand of a dsRNA can be transcribed by promoters both of which are located on the same expression plasmid. In one embodiment, a dsRNA is expressed as an inverted repeat joined by a linker polynucleotide sequence such that the dsRNA has a stem and loop structure.

iRNA expression vectors are generally DNA plasmids or viral vectors. Expression vectors compatible with eukaryotic cells, preferably those compatible with vertebrate cells, can be used to produce recombinant constructs for the expression of an iRNA as described herein. Eukaryotic cell expression vectors are well known in the art and are available from a number of commercial sources. Typically, such vectors are provided containing convenient restriction sites for insertion of the desired nucleic acid segment. Delivery of iRNA expressing vectors can be systemic, such as by intravenous or intramuscular administration, by administration to target cells ex-planted from the patient followed by reintroduction into the patient, or by any other means that allows for introduction into a desired target cell.

iRNA expression plasmids can be transfected into target cells as a complex with cationic lipid carriers (e.g., Oligofectamine) or non-cationic lipid-based carriers (e.g., Transit-TKO™). Multiple lipid transfections for iRNA-mediated knockdowns targeting different regions of a target RNA over a period of a week or more are also contemplated by the invention. Successful introduction of vectors into host cells can be monitored using various known methods. For example, transient transfection can be signaled with a reporter, such as a fluorescent marker, such as Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). Stable transfection of cells ex vivo can be ensured using markers that provide the transfected cell with resistance to specific environmental factors (e.g., antibiotics and drugs), such as hygromycin B resistance.

Viral vector systems which can be utilized with the methods and compositions described herein include, but are not limited to, (a) adenovirus vectors; (b) retrovirus vectors, including but not limited to lentiviral vectors, moloney murine leukemia virus, etc.; (c) adeno-associated virus vectors; (d) herpes simplex virus vectors; (e) SV 40 vectors; (f) polyoma virus vectors; (g) papilloma virus vectors; (h) picornavirus vectors; (i) pox virus vectors such as an orthopox, e.g., vaccinia virus vectors or avipox, e.g. canary pox or fowl pox; and (j) a helper-dependent or gutless adenovirus. Replication-defective viruses can also be advantageous. Different vectors will or will not become incorporated into the cells' genome. The constructs can include viral sequences for transfection, if desired. Alternatively, the construct may be incorporated into vectors capable of episomal replication, e.g. EPV and EBV vectors. Constructs for the recombinant expression of an iRNA will generally require regulatory elements, e.g., promoters, enhancers, etc., to ensure the expression of the iRNA in target cells. Other aspects to consider for vectors and constructs are further described below.

Vectors useful for the delivery of an iRNA will include regulatory elements (promoter, enhancer, etc.) sufficient for expression of the iRNA in the desired target cell or tissue. The regulatory elements can be chosen to provide either constitutive or regulated/inducible expression.

Expression of the iRNA can be precisely regulated, for example, by using an inducible regulatory sequence that is sensitive to certain physiological regulators, e.g., circulating glucose levels, or hormones (Docherty et al., 1994, FASEB J. 8:20-24). Such inducible expression systems, suitable for the control of dsRNA expression in cells or in mammals include, for example, regulation by ecdysone, by estrogen, progesterone, tetracycline, chemical inducers of dimerization, and isopropyl-beta-D1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). A person skilled in the art would be able to choose the appropriate regulatory/promoter sequence based on the intended use of the iRNA transgene.

In a specific embodiment, viral vectors that contain nucleic acid sequences encoding an iRNA can be used. For example, a retroviral vector can be used (see Miller et al., Meth. Enzymol. 217:581-599 (1993)). These retroviral vectors contain the components necessary for the correct packaging of the viral genome and integration into the host cell DNA. The nucleic acid sequences encoding an iRNA are cloned into one or more vectors, which facilitates delivery of the nucleic acid into a patient. More detail about retroviral vectors can be found, for example, in Boesen et al., Biotherapy 6:291-302 (1994), which describes the use of a retroviral vector to deliver the mdr1 gene to hematopoietic stem cells in order to make the stem cells more resistant to chemotherapy. Other references illustrating the use of retroviral vectors in gene therapy are: Clowes et al., J. Clin. Invest. 93:644-651 (1994); Kiem et al., Blood 83:1467-1473 (1994); Salmons and Gunzberg, Human Gene Therapy 4:129-141 (1993); and Grossman and Wilson, Curr. Opin. in Genetics and Devel. 3:110-114 (1993). Lentiviral vectors contemplated for use include, for example, the HIV based vectors described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,143,520; 5,665,557; and 5,981,276, which are herein incorporated by reference.

Adenoviruses are also contemplated for use in delivery of iRNAs. Adenoviruses are especially attractive vehicles, e.g., for delivering genes to respiratory epithelia. Adenoviruses naturally infect respiratory epithelia where they cause a mild disease. Other targets for adenovirus-based delivery systems are liver, the central nervous system, endothelial cells, and muscle. Adenoviruses have the advantage of being capable of infecting non-dividing cells. Kozarsky and Wilson, Current Opinion in Genetics and Development 3:499-503 (1993) present a review of adenovirus-based gene therapy. Bout et al., Human Gene Therapy 5:3-10 (1994) demonstrated the use of adenovirus vectors to transfer genes to the respiratory epithelia of rhesus monkeys. Other instances of the use of adenoviruses in gene therapy can be found in Rosenfeld et al., Science 252:431-434 (1991); Rosenfeld et al., Cell 68:143-155 (1992); Mastrangeli et al., J. Clin. Invest. 91:225-234 (1993); PCT Publication WO94/12649; and Wang, et al., Gene Therapy 2:775-783 (1995). A suitable AV vector for expressing an iRNA featured in the invention, a method for constructing the recombinant AV vector, and a method for delivering the vector into target cells, are described in Xia H et al. (2002), Nat. Biotech. 20: 1006-1010.

Use of Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is also contemplated (Walsh et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 204:289-300 (1993); U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,146). In one embodiment, the iRNA can be expressed as two separate, complementary single-stranded RNA molecules from a recombinant AAV vector having, for example, either the U6 or H1 RNA promoters, or the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Suitable AAV vectors for expressing the dsRNA featured in the invention, methods for constructing the recombinant AV vector, and methods for delivering the vectors into target cells are described in Samulski R et al. (1987), J. Virol. 61: 3096-3101; Fisher K J et al. (1996), J. Virol, 70: 520-532; Samulski R et al. (1989), J. Virol. 63: 3822-3826; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,252,479; 5,139,941; International Patent Application No. WO 94/13788; and International Patent Application No. WO 93/24641, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Another preferred viral vector is a pox virus such as a vaccinia virus, for example an attenuated vaccinia such as Modified Virus Ankara (MVA) or NYVAC, an avipox such as fowl pox or canary pox.

The tropism of viral vectors can be modified by pseudotyping the vectors with envelope proteins or other surface antigens from other viruses, or by substituting different viral capsid proteins, as appropriate. For example, lentiviral vectors can be pseudotyped with surface proteins from vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), rabies, Ebola, Mokola, and the like. AAV vectors can be made to target different cells by engineering the vectors to express different capsid protein serotypes; see, e.g., Rabinowitz J E et al. (2002), J Virol 76:791-801, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The pharmaceutical preparation of a vector can include the vector in an acceptable diluent, or can include a slow release matrix in which the gene delivery vehicle is imbedded. Alternatively, where the complete gene delivery vector can be produced intact from recombinant cells, e.g., retroviral vectors, the pharmaceutical preparation can include one or more cells which produce the gene delivery system.

III. Pharmaceutical Compositions Containing iRNA

In one embodiment, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing an iRNA, as described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical composition containing the iRNA is useful for treating a disease or disorder associated with the expression or activity of an EGLN gene, such as pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression. Such pharmaceutical compositions are formulated based on the mode of delivery. One example is compositions that are formulated for systemic administration via parenteral delivery, e.g., by intravenous (IV) delivery. Another example is compositions that are formulated for direct delivery into the brain parenchyma, e.g., by infusion into the brain, such as by continuous pump infusion.

The pharmaceutical compositions featured herein are administered in dosages sufficient to inhibit expression of EGLN genes. In general, a suitable dose of iRNA will be in the range of 0.01 to 200.0 milligrams per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day, generally in the range of 1 to 50 mg per kilogram body weight per day. For example, the dsRNA can be administered at 0.05 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, or 50 mg/kg per single dose. The pharmaceutical composition may be administered once daily, or the iRNA may be administered as two, three, or more sub-doses at appropriate intervals throughout the day or even using continuous infusion or delivery through a controlled release formulation. In that case, the iRNA contained in each sub-dose must be correspondingly smaller in order to achieve the total daily dosage. The dosage unit can also be compounded for delivery over several days, e.g., using a conventional sustained release formulation which provides sustained release of the iRNA over a several day period. Sustained release formulations are well known in the art and are particularly useful for delivery of agents at a particular site, such as could be used with the agents of the present invention. In this embodiment, the dosage unit contains a corresponding multiple of the daily dose.

The effect of a single dose on EGLN levels can be long lasting, such that subsequent doses are administered at not more than 3, 4, or 5 day intervals, or at not more than 1, 2, 3, or 4 week intervals.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that certain factors may influence the dosage and timing required to effectively treat a subject, including but not limited to the severity of the disease or disorder, previous treatments, the general health and/or age of the subject, and other diseases present. Moreover, treatment of a subject with a therapeutically effective amount of a composition can include a single treatment or a series of treatments. Estimates of effective dosages and in vivo half-lives for the individual iRNAs encompassed by the invention can be made using conventional methodologies or on the basis of in vivo testing using an appropriate animal model, as described elsewhere herein.

Advances in mouse genetics have generated a number of mouse models for the study of various human diseases, such as pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression. Such models can be used for in vivo testing of iRNA, as well as for determining a therapeutically effective dose. A suitable mouse model is, for example, a mouse containing a transgene expressing human EGLN.

The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions and formulations that include the iRNA compounds featured in the invention. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered in a number of ways depending upon whether local or systemic treatment is desired and upon the area to be treated. Administration may be topical (e.g., by a transdermal patch), pulmonary, e.g., by inhalation or insufflation of powders or aerosols, including by nebulizer; intratracheal, intranasal, epidermal and transdermal, oral or parenteral. Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection or infusion; subdermal, e.g., via an implanted device; or intracranial, e.g., by intraparenchymal, intrathecal or intraventricular, administration.

The iRNA can be delivered in a manner to target a particular tissue, such as the liver (e.g., the hepatocytes of the liver).

Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for topical administration may include transdermal patches, ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable. Coated condoms, gloves and the like may also be useful. Suitable topical formulations include those in which the iRNAs featured in the invention are in admixture with a topical delivery agent such as lipids, liposomes, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, steroids, chelating agents and surfactants. Suitable lipids and liposomes include neutral (e.g., dioleoylphosphatidyl DOPE ethanolamine, dimyristoylphosphatidyl choline DMPC, distearolyphosphatidyl choline) negative (e.g., dimyristoylphosphatidyl glycerol DMPG) and cationic (e.g., dioleoyltetramethylaminopropyl DOTAP and dioleoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine DOTMA). iRNAs featured in the invention may be encapsulated within liposomes or may form complexes thereto, in particular to cationic liposomes. Alternatively, iRNAs may be complexed to lipids, in particular to cationic lipids. Suitable fatty acids and esters include but are not limited to arachidonic acid, oleic acid, eicosanoic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, an acylcarnitine, an acylcholine, or a C₁₋₂₀ alkyl ester (e.g., isopropylmyristate IPM), monoglyceride, diglyceride or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Topical formulations are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Liposomal Formulations

There are many organized surfactant structures besides microemulsions that have been studied and used for the formulation of drugs. These include monolayers, micelles, bilayers and vesicles. Vesicles, such as liposomes, have attracted great interest because of their specificity and the duration of action they offer from the standpoint of drug delivery. As used in the present invention, the term “liposome” means a vesicle composed of amphiphilic lipids arranged in a spherical bilayer or bilayers.

Liposomes are unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles which have a membrane formed from a lipophilic material and an aqueous interior. The aqueous portion contains the composition to be delivered. Cationic liposomes possess the advantage of being able to fuse to the cell wall. Non-cationic liposomes, although not able to fuse as efficiently with the cell wall, are taken up by macrophages in vivo.

In order to traverse intact mammalian skin, lipid vesicles must pass through a series of fine pores, each with a diameter less than 50 nm, under the influence of a suitable transdermal gradient. Therefore, it is desirable to use a liposome which is highly deformable and able to pass through such fine pores.

Further advantages of liposomes include; liposomes obtained from natural phospholipids are biocompatible and biodegradable; liposomes can incorporate a wide range of water and lipid soluble drugs; liposomes can protect encapsulated drugs in their internal compartments from metabolism and degradation (Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245). Important considerations in the preparation of liposome formulations are the lipid surface charge, vesicle size and the aqueous volume of the liposomes.

Liposomes are useful for the transfer and delivery of active ingredients to the site of action. Because the liposomal membrane is structurally similar to biological membranes, when liposomes are applied to a tissue, the liposomes start to merge with the cellular membranes and as the merging of the liposome and cell progresses, the liposomal contents are emptied into the cell where the active agent may act.

Liposomal formulations have been the focus of extensive investigation as the mode of delivery for many drugs. There is growing evidence that for topical administration, liposomes present several advantages over other formulations. Such advantages include reduced side-effects related to high systemic absorption of the administered drug, increased accumulation of the administered drug at the desired target, and the ability to administer a wide variety of drugs, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, into the skin.

Several reports have detailed the ability of liposomes to deliver agents including high-molecular weight DNA into the skin. Compounds including analgesics, antibodies, hormones and high-molecular weight DNAs have been administered to the skin. The majority of applications resulted in the targeting of the upper epidermis

Liposomes fall into two broad classes. Cationic liposomes are positively charged liposomes which interact with the negatively charged DNA molecules to form a stable complex. The positively charged DNA/liposome complex binds to the negatively charged cell surface and is internalized in an endosome. Due to the acidic pH within the endosome, the liposomes are ruptured, releasing their contents into the cell cytoplasm (Wang et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 1987, 147, 980-985).

Liposomes which are pH-sensitive or negatively-charged, entrap DNA rather than complex with it. Since both the DNA and the lipid are similarly charged, repulsion rather than complex formation occurs. Nevertheless, some DNA is entrapped within the aqueous interior of these liposomes. pH-sensitive liposomes have been used to deliver DNA encoding the thymidine kinase gene to cell monolayers in culture. Expression of the exogenous gene was detected in the target cells (Zhou et al., Journal of Controlled Release, 1992, 19, 269-274).

One major type of liposomal composition includes phospholipids other than naturally-derived phosphatidylcholine. Neutral liposome compositions, for example, can be formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Anionic liposome compositions generally are formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol, while anionic fusogenic liposomes are formed primarily from dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE). Another type of liposomal composition is formed from phosphatidylcholine (PC) such as, for example, soybean PC, and egg PC. Another type is formed from mixtures of phospholipid and/or phosphatidylcholine and/or cholesterol.

Several studies have assessed the topical delivery of liposomal drug formulations to the skin. Application of liposomes containing interferon to guinea pig skin resulted in a reduction of skin herpes sores while delivery of interferon via other means (e.g., as a solution or as an emulsion) were ineffective (Weiner et al., Journal of Drug Targeting, 1992, 2, 405-410). Further, an additional study tested the efficacy of interferon administered as part of a liposomal formulation to the administration of interferon using an aqueous system, and concluded that the liposomal formulation was superior to aqueous administration (du Plessis et al., Antiviral Research, 1992, 18, 259-265).

Non-ionic liposomal systems have also been examined to determine their utility in the delivery of drugs to the skin, in particular systems comprising non-ionic surfactant and cholesterol. Non-ionic liposomal formulations comprising Novasome™ I (glyceryl dilaurate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) and Novasome™ II (glyceryl distearate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene-10-stearyl ether) were used to deliver cyclosporin-A into the dermis of mouse skin. Results indicated that such non-ionic liposomal systems were effective in facilitating the deposition of cyclosporin-A into different layers of the skin (Hu et al. S.T.P.Pharma. Sci., 1994, 4, 6, 466).

Liposomes also include “sterically stabilized” liposomes, a term which, as used herein, refers to liposomes comprising one or more specialized lipids that, when incorporated into liposomes, result in enhanced circulation lifetimes relative to liposomes lacking such specialized lipids. Examples of sterically stabilized liposomes are those in which part of the vesicle-forming lipid portion of the liposome (A) comprises one or more glycolipids, such as monosialoganglioside G_(M1), or (B) is derivatized with one or more hydrophilic polymers, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought in the art that, at least for sterically stabilized liposomes containing gangliosides, sphingomyelin, or PEG-derivatized lipids, the enhanced circulation half-life of these sterically stabilized liposomes derives from a reduced uptake into cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) (Allen et al., FEBS Letters, 1987, 223, 42; Wu et al., Cancer Research, 1993, 53, 3765).

Various liposomes comprising one or more glycolipids are known in the art. Papahadjopoulos et al. (Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1987, 507, 64) reported the ability of monosialoganglioside G_(M1), galactocerebroside sulfate and phosphatidylinositol to improve blood half-lives of liposomes. These findings were expounded upon by Gabizon et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 1988, 85, 6949). U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,028 and WO 88/04924, both to Allen et al., disclose liposomes comprising (1) sphingomyelin and (2) the ganglioside G_(M1) or a galactocerebroside sulfate ester. U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,152 (Webb et al.) discloses liposomes comprising sphingomyelin. Liposomes comprising 1,2-sn-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine are disclosed in WO 97/13499 (Lim et al).

Many liposomes comprising lipids derivatized with one or more hydrophilic polymers, and methods of preparation thereof, are known in the art. Sunamoto et al. (Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn., 1980, 53, 2778) described liposomes comprising a nonionic detergent, 2C_(1215G), that contains a PEG moiety. Illum et al. (FEBS Lett., 1984, 167, 79) noted that hydrophilic coating of polystyrene particles with polymeric glycols results in significantly enhanced blood half-lives. Synthetic phospholipids modified by the attachment of carboxylic groups of polyalkylene glycols (e.g., PEG) are described by Sears (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,426,330 and 4,534,899). Klibanov et al. (FEBS Lett., 1990, 268, 235) described experiments demonstrating that liposomes comprising phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) derivatized with PEG or PEG stearate have significant increases in blood circulation half-lives. Blume et al. (Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1990, 1029, 91) extended such observations to other PEG-derivatized phospholipids, e.g., DSPE-PEG, formed from the combination of distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) and PEG. Liposomes having covalently bound PEG moieties on their external surface are described in European Patent No. EP 0 445 131 B1 and WO 90/04384 to Fisher. Liposome compositions containing 1-20 mole percent of PE derivatized with PEG, and methods of use thereof, are described by Woodle et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,013,556 and 5,356,633) and Martin et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,804 and European Patent No. EP 0 496 813 B1). Liposomes comprising a number of other lipid-polymer conjugates are disclosed in WO 91/05545 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,212 (both to Martin et al.) and in WO 94/20073 (Zalipsky et al.) Liposomes comprising PEG-modified ceramide lipids are described in WO 96/10391 (Choi et al). U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,935 (Miyazaki et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,948 (Tagawa et al.) describe PEG-containing liposomes that can be further derivatized with functional moieties on their surfaces.

A number of liposomes comprising nucleic acids are known in the art. WO 96/40062 to Thierry et al. discloses methods for encapsulating high molecular weight nucleic acids in liposomes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,221 to Tagawa et al. discloses protein-bonded liposomes and asserts that the contents of such liposomes may include a dsRNA. U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,710 to Rahman et al. describes certain methods of encapsulating oligodeoxynucleotides in liposomes. WO 97/04787 to Love et al. discloses liposomes comprising dsRNAs targeted to the raf gene.

Transfersomes are yet another type of liposomes, and are highly deformable lipid aggregates which are attractive candidates for drug delivery vehicles. Transfersomes may be described as lipid droplets which are so highly deformable that they are easily able to penetrate through pores which are smaller than the droplet. Transfersomes are adaptable to the environment in which they are used, e.g., they are self-optimizing (adaptive to the shape of pores in the skin), self-repairing, frequently reach their targets without fragmenting, and often self-loading. To make transfersomes it is possible to add surface edge-activators, usually surfactants, to a standard liposomal composition. Transfersomes have been used to deliver serum albumin to the skin. The transfersome-mediated delivery of serum albumin has been shown to be as effective as subcutaneous injection of a solution containing serum albumin.

Surfactants find wide application in formulations such as emulsions (including microemulsions) and liposomes. The most common way of classifying and ranking the properties of the many different types of surfactants, both natural and synthetic, is by the use of the hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB). The nature of the hydrophilic group (also known as the “head”) provides the most useful means for categorizing the different surfactants used in formulations (Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, p. 285).

If the surfactant molecule is not ionized, it is classified as a nonionic surfactant. Nonionic surfactants find wide application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and are usable over a wide range of pH values. In general their HLB values range from 2 to about 18 depending on their structure. Nonionic surfactants include nonionic esters such as ethylene glycol esters, propylene glycol esters, glyceryl esters, polyglyceryl esters, sorbitan esters, sucrose esters, and ethoxylated esters. Nonionic alkanolamides and ethers such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, propoxylated alcohols, and ethoxylated/propoxylated block polymers are also included in this class. The polyoxyethylene surfactants are the most popular members of the nonionic surfactant class.

If the surfactant molecule carries a negative charge when it is dissolved or dispersed in water, the surfactant is classified as anionic. Anionic surfactants include carboxylates such as soaps, acyl lactylates, acyl amides of amino acids, esters of sulfuric acid such as alkyl sulfates and ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, sulfonates such as alkyl benzene sulfonates, acyl isethionates, acyl taurates and sulfosuccinates, and phosphates. The most important members of the anionic surfactant class are the alkyl sulfates and the soaps.

If the surfactant molecule carries a positive charge when it is dissolved or dispersed in water, the surfactant is classified as cationic. Cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salts and ethoxylated amines. The quaternary ammonium salts are the most used members of this class.

If the surfactant molecule has the ability to carry either a positive or negative charge, the surfactant is classified as amphoteric. Amphoteric surfactants include acrylic acid derivatives, substituted alkylamides, N-alkylbetaines and phosphatides.

The use of surfactants in drug products, formulations and in emulsions has been reviewed (Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, p. 285).

Nucleic Acid Lipid Particles

In one embodiment, an EGLN dsRNA featured in the invention is fully encapsulated in the lipid formulation, e.g., to form a SPLP, pSPLP, SNALP, or other nucleic acid-lipid particle. As used herein, the term “SNALP” refers to a stable nucleic acid-lipid particle, including SPLP. As used herein, the term “SPLP” refers to a nucleic acid-lipid particle comprising plasmid DNA encapsulated within a lipid vesicle. SNALPs and SPLPs typically contain a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, and a lipid that prevents aggregation of the particle (e.g., a PEG-lipid conjugate). SNALPs and SPLPs are extremely useful for systemic applications, as they exhibit extended circulation lifetimes following intravenous (i.v.) injection and accumulate at distal sites (e.g., sites physically separated from the administration site). SPLPs include “pSPLP,” which include an encapsulated condensing agent-nucleic acid complex as set forth in PCT Publication No. WO 00/03683. The particles of the present invention typically have a mean diameter of about 50 nm to about 150 nm, more typically about 60 nm to about 130 nm, more typically about 70 nm to about 110 nm, most typically about 70 nm to about 90 nm, and are substantially nontoxic. In addition, the nucleic acids when present in the nucleic acid-lipid particles of the present invention are resistant in aqueous solution to degradation with a nuclease. Nucleic acid-lipid particles and their method of preparation are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,976,567; 5,981,501; 6,534,484; 6,586,410; 6,815,432; and PCT Publication No. WO 96/40964.

In one embodiment, the lipid to drug ratio (mass/mass ratio) (e.g., lipid to dsRNA ratio) will be in the range of from about 1:1 to about 50:1, from about 1:1 to about 25:1, from about 3:1 to about 15:1, from about 4:1 to about 10:1, from about 5:1 to about 9:1, or about 6:1 to about 9:1.

The cationic lipid may be, for example, N,N-dioleyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride (DODAC), N,N-distearyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), N-(I-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP), N-(I-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA), N,N-dimethyl-2,3-dioleyloxy)propylamine (DODMA), 1,2-DiLinoleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA), 1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLenDMA), 1,2-Dilinoleylcarbamoyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-C-DAP), 1,2-Dilinoleyoxy-3-(dimethylamino)acetoxypropane (DLin-DAC), 1,2-Dilinoleyoxy-3-morpholinopropane (DLin-MA), 1,2-Dilinoleoyl-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDAP), 1,2-Dilinoleylthio-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-S-DMA), 1-Linoleoyl-2-linoleyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-2-DMAP), 1,2-Dilinoleyloxy-3-trimethylaminopropane chloride salt (DLin-TMA.Cl), 1,2-Dilinoleoyl-3-trimethylaminopropane chloride salt (DLin-TAP.Cl), 1,2-Dilinoleyloxy-3-(N-methylpiperazino)propane (DLin-MPZ), or 3-(N,N-Dilinoleylamino)-1,2-propanediol (DLinAP), 3-(N,N-Dioleylamino)-1,2-propanedio (DOAP), 1,2-Dilinoleyloxo-3-(2-N,N-dimethylamino)ethoxypropane (DLin-EG-DMA), 1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA), 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane (DLin-K-DMA) or analogs thereof, (3aR,5s,6aS)—N,N-dimethyl-2,2-di((9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienyl)tetrahydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-5-amine (ALN100), (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-yl 4-(dimethylamino)butanoate (MC3), 1,1′-(2-(4-(2-((2-(bis(2-hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)(2-hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethylazanediyl)didodecan-2-ol (Tech G1), or a mixture thereof. The cationic lipid may comprise from about 20 mol % to about 50 mol % or about 40 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

In another embodiment, the compound 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane can be used to prepare lipid-siRNA nanoparticles. Synthesis of 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane is described in U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/107,998 filed on Oct. 23, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment, the lipid-siRNA particle includes 40% 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane: 10% DSPC: 40% Cholesterol: 10% PEG-C-DOMG (mole percent) with a particle size of 63.0±20 nm and a 0.027 siRNA/Lipid Ratio.

The non-cationic lipid may be an anionic lipid or a neutral lipid including, but not limited to, distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG), dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG), dioleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC), palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), dioleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)-cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (DOPE-mal), dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DPPE), dimyristoylphosphoethanolamine (DMPE), distearoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (DSPE), 16-O-monomethyl PE, 16-O-dimethyl PE, 18-1-trans PE, 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidyethanolamine (SOPE), cholesterol, or a mixture thereof. The non-cationic lipid may be from about 5 mol % to about 90 mol %, about 10 mol %, or about 58 mol % if cholesterol is included, of the total lipid present in the particle.

The conjugated lipid that inhibits aggregation of particles may be, for example, a polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-lipid including, without limitation, a PEG-diacylglycerol (DAG), a PEG-dialkyloxypropyl (DAA), a PEG-phospholipid, a PEG-ceramide (Cer), or a mixture thereof. The PEG-DAA conjugate may be, for example, a PEG-dilauryloxypropyl (Ci₂), a PEG-dimyristyloxypropyl (Ci₄), a PEG-dipalmityloxypropyl (Ci₆), or a PEG-distearyloxypropyl (C]₈). The conjugated lipid that prevents aggregation of particles may be from 0 mol % to about 20 mol % or about 2 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-lipid particle further includes cholesterol at, e.g., about 10 mol % to about 60 mol % or about 48 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

LNP01

In one embodiment, the lipidoid ND98.4HCl (MW 1487) (see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/056,230, filed Mar. 26, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference), Cholesterol (Sigma-Aldrich), and PEG-Ceramide C16 (Avanti Polar Lipids) can be used to prepare lipid-dsRNA nanoparticles (i.e., LNP01 particles). Stock solutions of each in ethanol can be prepared as follows: ND98, 133 mg/ml; Cholesterol, 25 mg/ml, PEG-Ceramide C16, 100 mg/ml. The ND98, Cholesterol, and PEG-Ceramide C16 stock solutions can then be combined in a, e.g., 42:48:10 molar ratio. The combined lipid solution can be mixed with aqueous dsRNA (e.g., in sodium acetate pH 5) such that the final ethanol concentration is about 35-45% and the final sodium acetate concentration is about 100-300 mM. Lipid-dsRNA nanoparticles typically form spontaneously upon mixing. Depending on the desired particle size distribution, the resultant nanoparticle mixture can be extruded through a polycarbonate membrane (e.g., 100 nm cut-off) using, for example, a thermobarrel extruder, such as Lipex Extruder (Northern Lipids, Inc). In some cases, the extrusion step can be omitted. Ethanol removal and simultaneous buffer exchange can be accomplished by, for example, dialysis or tangential flow filtration. Buffer can be exchanged with, for example, phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at about pH 7, e.g., about pH 6.9, about pH 7.0, about pH 7.1, about pH 7.2, about pH 7.3, or about pH 7.4.

LNP01 formulations are described, e.g., in International Application Publication No. WO 2008/042973, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Additional exemplary lipid-dsRNA formulations are as follows:

cationic lipid/non-cationic lipid/cholesterol/PEG-lipid conjugate Cationic Lipid Lipid:siRNA ratio SNALP 1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N- DLinDMA/DPPC/Cholesterol/PEG- dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA) cDMA (57.1/7.1/34.4/1.4) lipid:siRNA ~7:l S-XTC 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl- XTC/DPPC/Cholesterol/PEG-cDMA [1,3]-dioxolane (XTC) 57.1/7.1/34.4/1.4 lipid:siRNA ~7:1 LNP05 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG [1,3]-dioxolane (XTC) 57.5/7.5/31.5/3.5 lipid:siRNA ~6:1 LNP06 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG [1,3]-dioxolane (XTC) 57.5/7.5/31.5/3.5 lipid:siRNA ~11:1 LNP07 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG [1,3]-dioxolane (XTC) 60/7.5/31/1.5, lipid:siRNA ~6:1 LNP08 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG [1,3]-dioxolane (XTC) 60/7.5/31/1.5, lipid:siRNA ~11:1 LNP09 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl- XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG [1,3]-dioxolane (XTC) 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA 10:1 LNP10 (3aR,5s,6aS)-N,N-dimethyl-2,2- ALN100/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG di((9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12- 50/10/38.5/1.5 dienyl)tetrahydro-3aH- Lipid:siRNA 10:1 cyclopenta[d][1,3]-dioxol-5-amine (ALN100) LNP11 (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta- MC-3/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG 6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-yl 4- 50/10/38.5/1.5 (dimethylamino)butanoate (MC3) Lipid:siRNA 10:1 LNP12 1,1′-(2-(4-(2-((2-(bis(2- C12-200/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)(2- 50/10/38.5/1.5 hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)piperazin- Lipid:siRNA 10:1 1-yl)ethylazanediyl)didodecan-2-ol (C12-200) LNP13 XTC XTC/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 33:1 LNP14 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 40/15/40/5 Lipid:siRNA: 11:1 LNP15 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DSG/GalNAc- PEG-DSG 50/10/35/4.5/0.5 Lipid:siRNA: 11:1 LNP16 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 7:1 LNP17 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DSG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 10:1 LNP18 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 12:1 LNP19 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DMG 50/10/35/5 Lipid:siRNA: 8:1 LNP20 MC3 MC3/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DPG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 10:1 LNP21 C12-200 C12-200/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DSG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 7:1 LNP22 XTC XTC/DSPC/Chol/PEG-DSG 50/10/38.5/1.5 Lipid:siRNA: 10:1 DSPC: distearoylphosphatidylcholine DPPC: dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine PEG-DMG: PEG-didimyristoyl glycerol (C14-PEG, or PEG-C14) (PEG with avg mol wt of 2000) PEG-DSG: PEG-distyryl glycerol (C18-PEG, or PEG-C18) (PEG with avg mol wt of 2000) PEG-cDMA: PEG-carbamoyl-1,2-dimyristyloxypropylamine (PEG with avg mol wt of 2000)

SNALP (1,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA)) comprising formulations are described in International Publication No. WO2009/127060, filed Apr. 15, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

XTC comprising formulations are described, e.g., in U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/148,366, filed Jan. 29, 2009; U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/156,851, filed Mar. 2, 2009; U.S. Provisional Serial No. filed Jun. 10, 2009; U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/228,373, filed Jul. 24, 2009; U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/239,686, filed Sep. 3, 2009, and International Application No. PCT/US2010/022614, filed Jan. 29, 2010, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

MC3 comprising formulations are described, e.g., in U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/244,834, filed Sep. 22, 2009, U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/185,800, filed Jun. 10, 2009, and International Application No. PCT/US10/28224, filed Jun. 10, 2010, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

ALNY-100 comprising formulations are described, e.g., International patent application number PCT/US09/63933, filed on Nov. 10, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

C12-200 comprising formulations are described in U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/175,770, filed May 5, 2009 and International Application No. PCT/US10/33777, filed May 5, 2010, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Synthesis of Cationic Lipids

Any of the compounds, e.g., cationic lipids and the like, used in the nucleic acid-lipid particles of the invention may be prepared by known organic synthesis techniques, including the methods described in more detail in the Examples. All substituents are as defined below unless indicated otherwise.

“Alkyl” means a straight chain or branched, noncyclic or cyclic, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing from 1 to 24 carbon atoms. Representative saturated straight chain alkyls include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, and the like; while saturated branched alkyls include isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, ten-butyl, isopentyl, and the like. Representative saturated cyclic alkyls include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and the like; while unsaturated cyclic alkyls include cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl, and the like.

“Alkenyl” means an alkyl, as defined above, containing at least one double bond between adjacent carbon atoms. Alkenyls include both cis and trans isomers. Representative straight chain and branched alkenyls include ethylenyl, propylenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, isobutylenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, and the like.

“Alkynyl” means any alkyl or alkenyl, as defined above, which additionally contains at least one triple bond between adjacent carbons. Representative straight chain and branched alkynyls include acetylenyl, propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1 butynyl, and the like.

“Acyl” means any alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl wherein the carbon at the point of attachment is substituted with an oxo group, as defined below. For example, —C(═O)alkyl, —C(═O)alkenyl, and —C(═O)alkynyl are acyl groups.

“Heterocycle” means a 5- to 7-membered monocyclic, or 7- to 10-membered bicyclic, heterocyclic ring which is either saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, and which contains from 1 or 2 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may be optionally oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom may be optionally quaternized, including bicyclic rings in which any of the above heterocycles are fused to a benzene ring. The heterocycle may be attached via any heteroatom or carbon atom. Heterocycles include heteroaryls as defined below. Heterocycles include morpholinyl, pyrrolidinonyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperizynyl, hydantoinyl, valerolactamyl, oxiranyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, tetrahydroprimidinyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, tetrahydropyrimidinyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, and the like.

The terms “optionally substituted alkyl”, “optionally substituted alkenyl”, “optionally substituted alkynyl”, “optionally substituted acyl”, and “optionally substituted heterocycle” means that, when substituted, at least one hydrogen atom is replaced with a substituent. In the case of an oxo substituent (═O) two hydrogen atoms are replaced. In this regard, substituents include oxo, halogen, heterocycle, —CN, —OR^(x), —NR^(x)R^(y), —NR^(x)C(═O)R^(y), —NR^(x)SO₂R^(y), —C(═O)R^(x), —C(═O)OR^(x), —C(═O)NR^(x)R^(y), —SO_(n)R^(x) and —SO_(n)NR^(x)R^(y), wherein n is 0, 1 or 2, R^(x) and R^(y) are the same or different and independently hydrogen, alkyl or heterocycle, and each of said alkyl and heterocycle substituents may be further substituted with one or more of oxo, halogen, —OH, —CN, alkyl, —OR^(x), heterocycle, —NR^(x)R^(y), —NR^(x)C(═O)R^(y), —NR^(x)SO₂R^(y), —C(═O)R^(x), —C(═O)OR^(x), —C(═O)NR^(x)R^(y), —SO_(n)R^(x) and —SO_(n)NR^(x)R^(y).

“Halogen” means fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

In some embodiments, the methods of the invention may require the use of protecting groups. Protecting group methodology is well known to those skilled in the art (see, for example, PROTECTIVE GROUPS IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS, Green, T. W. et al., Wiley-Interscience, New York City, 1999). Briefly, protecting groups within the context of this invention are any group that reduces or eliminates unwanted reactivity of a functional group. A protecting group can be added to a functional group to mask its reactivity during certain reactions and then removed to reveal the original functional group. In some embodiments an “alcohol protecting group” is used. An “alcohol protecting group” is any group which decreases or eliminates unwanted reactivity of an alcohol functional group. Protecting groups can be added and removed using techniques well known in the art.

Synthesis of Formula A

In one embodiments, nucleic acid-lipid particles of the invention are formulated using a cationic lipid of formula A:

where R1 and R2 are independently alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, each can be optionally substituted, and R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl or R3 and R4 can be taken together to form an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring. In some embodiments, the cationic lipid is XTC (2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane). In general, the lipid of formula A above may be made by the following Reaction Schemes 1 or 2, wherein all substituents are as defined above unless indicated otherwise.

Lipid A, where R₁ and R₂ are independently alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, each can be optionally substituted, and R₃ and R₄ are independently lower alkyl or R₃ and R₄ can be taken together to form an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring, can be prepared according to Scheme 1. Ketone 1 and bromide 2 can be purchased or prepared according to methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Reaction of 1 and 2 yields ketal 3. Treatment of ketal 3 with amine 4 yields lipids of formula A. The lipids of formula A can be converted to the corresponding ammonium salt with an organic salt of formula 5, where X is anion counter ion selected from halogen, hydroxide, phosphate, sulfate, or the like.

Alternatively, the ketone 1 starting material can be prepared according to Scheme 2. Grignard reagent 6 and cyanide 7 can be purchased or prepared according to methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Reaction of 6 and 7 yields ketone 1. Conversion of ketone 1 to the corresponding lipids of formula A is as described in Scheme 1.

Synthesis of MC3

Preparation of DLin-M-C3-DMA (i.e., (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-yl 4-(dimethylamino)butanoate) was as follows. A solution of (6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta-6,9,28,31-tetraen-19-ol (0.53 g), 4-N,N-dimethylaminobutyric acid hydrochloride (0.51 g), 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (0.61 g) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (0.53 g) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solution was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid followed by dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate. The organic fractions were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate, filtered and the solvent removed on a rotovap. The residue was passed down a silica gel column (20 g) using a 1-5% methanol/dichloromethane elution gradient. Fractions containing the purified product were combined and the solvent removed, yielding a colorless oil (0.54 g).

Synthesis of ALNY-100

Synthesis of ketal 519 [ALNY-100] was performed using the following scheme 3:

Synthesis of 515:

To a stirred suspension of LiAlH4 (3.74 g, 0.09852 mol) in 200 ml anhydrous THF in a two neck RBF (1L), was added a solution of 514 (10 g, 0.04926 mol) in 70 mL of THF slowly at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. After complete addition, reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and then heated to reflux for 4 h. Progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of reaction (by TLC) the mixture was cooled to 0° C. and quenched with careful addition of saturated Na2SO4 solution. Reaction mixture was stirred for 4 h at room temperature and filtered off. Residue was washed well with THF. The filtrate and washings were mixed and diluted with 400 mL dioxane and 26 mL conc. HCl and stirred for 20 minutes at room temperature. The volatilities were stripped off under vacuum to furnish the hydrochloride salt of 515 as a white solid. Yield: 7.12 g ¹H-NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz): δ=9.34 (broad, 2H), 5.68 (s, 2H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 2.66-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.50-2.45 (m, 5H).

Synthesis of 516:

To a stirred solution of compound 515 in 100 mL dry DCM in a 250 mL two neck RBF, was added NEt3 (37.2 mL, 0.2669 mol) and cooled to 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. After a slow addition of N-(benzyloxy-carbonyloxy)-succinimide (20 g, 0.08007 mol) in 50 mL dry DCM, reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. After completion of the reaction (2-3 h by TLC) mixture was washed successively with 1N HCl solution (1×100 mL) and saturated NaHCO3 solution (1×50 mL). The organic layer was then dried over anhyd. Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated to give crude material which was purified by silica gel column chromatography to get 516 as sticky mass. Yield: 11 g (89%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ=7.36-7.27(m, 5H), 5.69 (s, 2H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 4.96 (br., 1H) 2.74 (s, 3H), 2.60(m, 2H), 2.30-2.25(m, 2H). LC-MS [M+H] −232.3 (96.94%).

Synthesis of 517A and 517B:

The cyclopentene 516 (5 g, 0.02164 mol) was dissolved in a solution of 220 mL acetone and water (10:1) in a single neck 500 mL RBF and to it was added N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide (7.6 g, 0.06492 mol) followed by 4.2 mL of 7.6% solution of OsO4 (0.275 g, 0.00108 mol) in tert-butanol at room temperature. After completion of the reaction (˜3 h), the mixture was quenched with addition of solid Na2SO3 and resulting mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at room temperature. Reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (300 mL) and washed with water (2×100 mL) followed by saturated NaHCO3 (1×50 mL) solution, water (1×30 mL) and finally with brine (1×50 mL). Organic phase was dried over an.Na2SO4 and solvent was removed in vacuum. Silica gel column chromatographic purification of the crude material was afforded a mixture of diastereomers, which were separated by prep HPLC. Yield: −6 g crude

517A-Peak-1 (white solid), 5.13 g (96%). 1H-NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz): δ=7.39-7.31(m, 5H), 5.04(s, 2H), 4.78-4.73 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.47(d, 2H), 3.94-3.93(m, 2H), 2.71(s, 3H), 1.72-1.67(m, 4H). LC-MS-[M+H]−266.3, [M+NH4+]−283.5 present, HPLC-97.86%. Stereochemistry confirmed by X-ray.

Synthesis of 518:

Using a procedure analogous to that described for the synthesis of compound 505, compound 518 (1.2 g, 41%) was obtained as a colorless oil. ¹H-NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ=7.35-7.33(m, 4H), 7.30-7.27(m, 1H), 5.37-5.27(m, 8H), 5.12(s, 2H), 4.75(m, 1H), 4.58-4.57(m, 2H), 2.78-2.74(m, 7H), 2.06-2.00(m, 8H), 1.96-1.91(m, 2H), 1.62(m, 4H), 1.48(m, 2H), 1.37-1.25(br m, 36H), 0.87(m, 6H). HPLC-98.65%.

General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compound 519:

A solution of compound 518 (1 eq) in hexane (15 mL) was added in a drop-wise fashion to an ice-cold solution of LAH in THF (1 M, 2 eq). After complete addition, the mixture was heated at 40° C. over 0.5 h then cooled again on an ice bath. The mixture was carefully hydrolyzed with saturated aqueous Na2SO4 then filtered through celite and reduced to an oil. Column chromatography provided the pure 519 (1.3 g, 68%) which was obtained as a colorless oil. 13C NMR=130.2, 130.1 (x2), 127.9 (x3), 112.3, 79.3, 64.4, 44.7, 38.3, 35.4, 31.5, 29.9 (x2), 29.7, 29.6 (x2), 29.5 (x3), 29.3 (x2), 27.2 (x3), 25.6, 24.5, 23.3, 226, 14.1; Electrospray MS (+ve): Molecular weight for C44H80NO2 (M+H)+ Calc. 654.6. Found 654.6.

Formulations prepared by either the standard or extrusion-free method can be characterized in similar manners. For example, formulations are typically characterized by visual inspection. They should be whitish translucent solutions free from aggregates or sediment. Particle size and particle size distribution of lipid-nanoparticles can be measured by light scattering using, for example, a Malvern Zetasizer Nano Z S (Malvern, USA). Particles should be about 20-300 nm, such as 40-100 nm in size. The particle size distribution should be unimodal. The total dsRNA concentration in the formulation, as well as the entrapped fraction, is estimated using a dye exclusion assay. A sample of the formulated dsRNA can be incubated with an RNA-binding dye, such as Ribogreen (Molecular Probes) in the presence or absence of a formulation disrupting surfactant, e.g., 0.5% Triton-X100. The total dsRNA in the formulation can be determined by the signal from the sample containing the surfactant, relative to a standard curve. The entrapped fraction is determined by subtracting the “free” dsRNA content (as measured by the signal in the absence of surfactant) from the total dsRNA content. Percent entrapped dsRNA is typically >85%. For SNALP formulation, the particle size is at least 30 nm, at least 40 nm, at least 50 nm, at least 60 nm, at least 70 nm, at least 80 nm, at least 90 nm, at least 100 nm, at least 110 nm, and at least 120 nm. The suitable range is typically about at least 50 nm to about at least 110 nm, about at least 60 nm to about at least 100 nm, or about at least 80 nm to about at least 90 nm.

Compositions and formulations for oral administration include powders or granules, microparticulates, nanoparticulates, suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsules, gel capsules, sachets, tablets or minitablets. Thickeners, flavoring agents, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids or binders may be desirable. In some embodiments, oral formulations are those in which dsRNAs featured in the invention are administered in conjunction with one or more penetration enhancers surfactants and chelators. Suitable surfactants include fatty acids and/or esters or salts thereof, bile acids and/or salts thereof. Suitable bile acids/salts include chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and ursodeoxychenodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), cholic acid, dehydrocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, glucholic acid, glycholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, taurodeoxycholic acid, sodium tauro-24,25-dihydro-fusidate and sodium glycodihydrofusidate. Suitable fatty acids include arachidonic acid, undecanoic acid, oleic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, an acylcarnitine, an acylcholine, or a monoglyceride, a diglyceride or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (e.g., sodium). In some embodiments, combinations of penetration enhancers are used, for example, fatty acids/salts in combination with bile acids/salts. One exemplary combination is the sodium salt of lauric acid, capric acid and UDCA. Further penetration enhancers include polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene-20-cetyl ether. DsRNAs featured in the invention may be delivered orally, in granular form including sprayed dried particles, or complexed to form micro or nanoparticles. DsRNA complexing agents include poly-amino acids; polyimines; polyacrylates; polyalkylacrylates, polyoxethanes, polyalkylcyanoacrylates; cationized gelatins, albumins, starches, acrylates, polyethyleneglycols (PEG) and starches; polyalkylcyanoacrylates; DEAE-derivatized polyimines, pollulans, celluloses and starches. Suitable complexing agents include chitosan, N-trimethylchitosan, poly-L-lysine, polyhistidine, polyornithine, polyspermines, protamine, polyvinylpyridine, polythiodiethylaminomethylethylene P(TDAE), polyaminostyrene (e.g., p-amino), poly(methylcyanoacrylate), poly(ethylcyanoacrylate), poly(butylcyanoacrylate), poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate), poly(isohexylcynaoacrylate), DEAE-methacrylate, DEAE-hexylacrylate, DEAE-acrylamide, DEAE-albumin and DEAE-dextran, polymethylacrylate, polyhexylacrylate, poly(D,L-lactic acid), poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), alginate, and polyethyleneglycol (PEG). Oral formulations for dsRNAs and their preparation are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,906, US Publn. No. 20030027780, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,747,014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Compositions and formulations for parenteral, intraparenchymal (into the brain), intrathecal, intraventricular or intrahepatic administration may include sterile aqueous solutions which may also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives such as, but not limited to, penetration enhancers, carrier compounds and other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, solutions, emulsions, and liposome-containing formulations. These compositions may be generated from a variety of components that include, but are not limited to, preformed liquids, self-emulsifying solids and self-emulsifying semisolids. Particularly preferred are formulations that target the liver when treating hepatic disorders such as hepatic carcinoma.

The pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention, which may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form, may be prepared according to conventional techniques well known in the pharmaceutical industry. Such techniques include the step of bringing into association the active ingredients with the pharmaceutical carrier(s) or excipient(s). In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredients with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

The compositions of the present invention may be formulated into any of many possible dosage forms such as, but not limited to, tablets, capsules, gel capsules, liquid syrups, soft gels, suppositories, and enemas. The compositions of the present invention may also be formulated as suspensions in aqueous, non-aqueous or mixed media. Aqueous suspensions may further contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol and/or dextran. The suspension may also contain stabilizers.

Additional Formulations

Emulsions

The compositions of the present invention may be prepared and formulated as emulsions. Emulsions are typically heterogeneous systems of one liquid dispersed in another in the form of droplets usually exceeding 0.1 μm in diameter (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., Volume 1, p. 245; Block in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 2, p. 335; Higuchi et al., in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 301). Emulsions are often biphasic systems comprising two immiscible liquid phases intimately mixed and dispersed with each other. In general, emulsions may be of either the water-in-oil (w/o) or the oil-in-water (o/w) variety. When an aqueous phase is finely divided into and dispersed as minute droplets into a bulk oily phase, the resulting composition is called a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion. Alternatively, when an oily phase is finely divided into and dispersed as minute droplets into a bulk aqueous phase, the resulting composition is called an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion. Emulsions may contain additional components in addition to the dispersed phases, and the active drug which may be present as a solution in either the aqueous phase, oily phase or itself as a separate phase. Pharmaceutical excipients such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, dyes, and anti-oxidants may also be present in emulsions as needed. Pharmaceutical emulsions may also be multiple emulsions that are comprised of more than two phases such as, for example, in the case of oil-in-water-in-oil (o/w/o) and water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsions. Such complex formulations often provide certain advantages that simple binary emulsions do not. Multiple emulsions in which individual oil droplets of an o/w emulsion enclose small water droplets constitute a w/o/w emulsion. Likewise a system of oil droplets enclosed in globules of water stabilized in an oily continuous phase provides an o/w/o emulsion.

Emulsions are characterized by little or no thermodynamic stability. Often, the dispersed or discontinuous phase of the emulsion is well dispersed into the external or continuous phase and maintained in this form through the means of emulsifiers or the viscosity of the formulation. Either of the phases of the emulsion may be a semisolid or a solid, as is the case of emulsion-style ointment bases and creams. Other means of stabilizing emulsions entail the use of emulsifiers that may be incorporated into either phase of the emulsion. Emulsifiers may broadly be classified into four categories: synthetic surfactants, naturally occurring emulsifiers, absorption bases, and finely dispersed solids (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199).

Synthetic surfactants, also known as surface active agents, have found wide applicability in the formulation of emulsions and have been reviewed in the literature (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 285; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1988, volume 1, p. 199). Surfactants are typically amphiphilic and comprise a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic portion. The ratio of the hydrophilic to the hydrophobic nature of the surfactant has been termed the hydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB) and is a valuable tool in categorizing and selecting surfactants in the preparation of formulations. Surfactants may be classified into different classes based on the nature of the hydrophilic group: nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y. Rieger, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 285).

Naturally occurring emulsifiers used in emulsion formulations include lanolin, beeswax, phosphatides, lecithin and acacia. Absorption bases possess hydrophilic properties such that they can soak up water to form w/o emulsions yet retain their semisolid consistencies, such as anhydrous lanolin and hydrophilic petrolatum. Finely divided solids have also been used as good emulsifiers especially in combination with surfactants and in viscous preparations. These include polar inorganic solids, such as heavy metal hydroxides, nonswelling clays such as bentonite, attapulgite, hectorite, kaolin, montmorillonite, colloidal aluminum silicate and colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate, pigments and nonpolar solids such as carbon or glyceryl tristearate.

A large variety of non-emulsifying materials are also included in emulsion formulations and contribute to the properties of emulsions. These include fats, oils, waxes, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, humectants, hydrophilic colloids, preservatives and antioxidants (Block, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 335; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199).

Hydrophilic colloids or hydrocolloids include naturally occurring gums and synthetic polymers such as polysaccharides (for example, acacia, agar, alginic acid, carrageenan, guar gum, karaya gum, and tragacanth), cellulose derivatives (for example, carboxymethylcellulose and carboxypropylcellulose), and synthetic polymers (for example, carbomers, cellulose ethers, and carboxyvinyl polymers). These disperse or swell in water to form colloidal solutions that stabilize emulsions by forming strong interfacial films around the dispersed-phase droplets and by increasing the viscosity of the external phase.

Since emulsions often contain a number of ingredients such as carbohydrates, proteins, sterols and phosphatides that may readily support the growth of microbes, these formulations often incorporate preservatives. Commonly used preservatives included in emulsion formulations include methyl paraben, propyl paraben, quaternary ammonium salts, benzalkonium chloride, esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and boric acid. Antioxidants are also commonly added to emulsion formulations to prevent deterioration of the formulation. Antioxidants used may be free radical scavengers such as tocopherols, alkyl gallates, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, or reducing agents such as ascorbic acid and sodium metabisulfite, and antioxidant synergists such as citric acid, tartaric acid, and lecithin.

The application of emulsion formulations via dermatological, oral and parenteral routes and methods for their manufacture have been reviewed in the literature (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199). Emulsion formulations for oral delivery have been very widely used because of ease of formulation, as well as efficacy from an absorption and bioavailability standpoint (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245; Idson, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 199). Mineral-oil base laxatives, oil-soluble vitamins and high fat nutritive preparations are among the materials that have commonly been administered orally as o/w emulsions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the compositions of iRNAs and nucleic acids are formulated as microemulsions. A microemulsion may be defined as a system of water, oil and amphiphile which is a single optically isotropic and thermodynamically stable liquid solution (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245). Typically microemulsions are systems that are prepared by first dispersing an oil in an aqueous surfactant solution and then adding a sufficient amount of a fourth component, generally an intermediate chain-length alcohol to form a transparent system. Therefore, microemulsions have also been described as thermodynamically stable, isotropically clear dispersions of two immiscible liquids that are stabilized by interfacial films of surface-active molecules (Leung and Shah, in: Controlled Release of Drugs: Polymers and Aggregate Systems, Rosoff, M., Ed., 1989, VCH Publishers, New York, pages 185-215). Microemulsions commonly are prepared via a combination of three to five components that include oil, water, surfactant, cosurfactant and electrolyte. Whether the microemulsion is of the water-in-oil (w/o) or an oil-in-water (o/w) type is dependent on the properties of the oil and surfactant used and on the structure and geometric packing of the polar heads and hydrocarbon tails of the surfactant molecules (Schott, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 271).

The phenomenological approach utilizing phase diagrams has been extensively studied and has yielded a comprehensive knowledge, to one skilled in the art, of how to formulate microemulsions (see e.g., Ansel's Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, Allen, L V., Popovich N G., and Ansel H C., 2004, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (8th ed.), New York, N.Y.; Rosoff, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 245; Block, in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Lieberman, Rieger and Banker (Eds.), 1988, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., volume 1, p. 335). Compared to conventional emulsions, microemulsions offer the advantage of solubilizing water-insoluble drugs in a formulation of thermodynamically stable droplets that are formed spontaneously.

Surfactants used in the preparation of microemulsions include, but are not limited to, ionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, Brij 96, polyoxyethylene oleyl ethers, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, tetraglycerol monolaurate (ML310), tetraglycerol monooleate (MO310), hexaglycerol monooleate (PO310), hexaglycerol pentaoleate (PO500), decaglycerol monocaprate (MCA750), decaglycerol monooleate (MO750), decaglycerol sequioleate (SO750), decaglycerol decaoleate (DAO750), alone or in combination with cosurfactants. The cosurfactant, usually a short-chain alcohol such as ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol, serves to increase the interfacial fluidity by penetrating into the surfactant film and consequently creating a disordered film because of the void space generated among surfactant molecules. Microemulsions may, however, be prepared without the use of cosurfactants and alcohol-free self-emulsifying microemulsion systems are known in the art. The aqueous phase may typically be, but is not limited to, water, an aqueous solution of the drug, glycerol, PEG300, PEG400, polyglycerols, propylene glycols, and derivatives of ethylene glycol. The oil phase may include, but is not limited to, materials such as Captex 300, Captex 355, Capmul MCM, fatty acid esters, medium chain (C8-C12) mono, di, and tri-glycerides, polyoxyethylated glyceryl fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, polyglycolized glycerides, saturated polyglycolized C8-C10 glycerides, vegetable oils and silicone oil.

Microemulsions are particularly of interest from the standpoint of drug solubilization and the enhanced absorption of drugs. Lipid based microemulsions (both o/w and w/o) have been proposed to enhance the oral bioavailability of drugs, including peptides (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,191,105; 7,063,860; 7,070,802; 7,157,099; Constantinides et al., Pharmaceutical Research, 1994, 11, 1385-1390; Ritschel, Meth. Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol., 1993, 13, 205). Microemulsions afford advantages of improved drug solubilization, protection of drug from enzymatic hydrolysis, possible enhancement of drug absorption due to surfactant-induced alterations in membrane fluidity and permeability, ease of preparation, ease of oral administration over solid dosage forms, improved clinical potency, and decreased toxicity (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,105; 7,063,860; 7,070,802; 7,157,099; Constantinides et al., Pharmaceutical Research, 1994, 11, 1385; Ho et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 1996, 85, 138-143). Often microemulsions may form spontaneously when their components are brought together at ambient temperature. This may be particularly advantageous when formulating thermolabile drugs, peptides or iRNAs. Microemulsions have also been effective in the transdermal delivery of active components in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. It is expected that the microemulsion compositions and formulations of the present invention will facilitate the increased systemic absorption of iRNAs and nucleic acids from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as improve the local cellular uptake of iRNAs and nucleic acids.

Microemulsions of the present invention may also contain additional components and additives such as sorbitan monostearate (Grill 3), Labrasol, and penetration enhancers to improve the properties of the formulation and to enhance the absorption of the iRNAs and nucleic acids of the present invention. Penetration enhancers used in the microemulsions of the present invention may be classified as belonging to one of five broad categories—surfactants, fatty acids, bile salts, chelating agents, and non-chelating non-surfactants (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92). Each of these classes has been discussed above.

Penetration Enhancers

In one embodiment, the present invention employs various penetration enhancers to effect the efficient delivery of nucleic acids, particularly iRNAs, to the skin of animals. Most drugs are present in solution in both ionized and nonionized forms. However, usually only lipid soluble or lipophilic drugs readily cross cell membranes. It has been discovered that even non-lipophilic drugs may cross cell membranes if the membrane to be crossed is treated with a penetration enhancer. In addition to aiding the diffusion of non-lipophilic drugs across cell membranes, penetration enhancers also enhance the permeability of lipophilic drugs.

Penetration enhancers may be classified as belonging to one of five broad categories, i.e., surfactants, fatty acids, bile salts, chelating agents, and non-chelating non-surfactants (see e.g., Malmsten, M. Surfactants and polymers in drug delivery, Informa Health Care, New York, N.Y., 2002; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92). Each of the above mentioned classes of penetration enhancers are described below in greater detail.

Surfactants: In connection with the present invention, surfactants (or “surface-active agents”) are chemical entities which, when dissolved in an aqueous solution, reduce the surface tension of the solution or the interfacial tension between the aqueous solution and another liquid, with the result that absorption of iRNAs through the mucosa is enhanced. In addition to bile salts and fatty acids, these penetration enhancers include, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate, polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene-20-cetyl ether) (see e.g., Malmsten, M. Surfactants and polymers in drug delivery, Informa Health Care, New York, N.Y., 2002; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92); and perfluorochemical emulsions, such as FC-43. Takahashi et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1988, 40, 252).

Fatty acids: Various fatty acids and their derivatives which act as penetration enhancers include, for example, oleic acid, lauric acid, capric acid (n-decanoic acid), myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, monoolein (1-monooleoyl-rac-glycerol), dilaurin, caprylic acid, arachidonic acid, glycerol 1-monocaprate, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, acylcarnitines, acylcholines, C₁₋₂₀ alkyl esters thereof (e.g., methyl, isopropyl and t-butyl), and mono- and di-glycerides thereof (i.e., oleate, laurate, caprate, myristate, palmitate, stearate, linoleate, etc.) (see e.g., Touitou, E., et al. Enhancement in Drug Delivery, CRC Press, Danvers, Mass., 2006; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, p. 92; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33; El Hariri et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1992, 44, 651-654).

Bile salts: The physiological role of bile includes the facilitation of dispersion and absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins (see e.g., Malmsten, M. Surfactants and polymers in drug delivery, Informa Health Care, New York, N.Y., 2002; Brunton, Chapter 38 in: Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th Ed., Hardman et al. Eds., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1996, pp. 934-935). Various natural bile salts, and their synthetic derivatives, act as penetration enhancers. Thus the term “bile salts” includes any of the naturally occurring components of bile as well as any of their synthetic derivatives. Suitable bile salts include, for example, cholic acid (or its pharmaceutically acceptable sodium salt, sodium cholate), dehydrocholic acid (sodium dehydrocholate), deoxycholic acid (sodium deoxycholate), glucholic acid (sodium glucholate), glycholic acid (sodium glycocholate), glycodeoxycholic acid (sodium glycodeoxycholate), taurocholic acid (sodium taurocholate), taurodeoxycholic acid (sodium taurodeoxycholate), chenodeoxycholic acid (sodium chenodeoxycholate), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), sodium tauro-24,25-dihydro-fusidate (STDHF), sodium glycodihydrofusidate and polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether (POE) (see e.g., Malmsten, M. Surfactants and polymers in drug delivery, Informa Health Care, New York, N.Y., 2002; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, page 92; Swinyard, Chapter 39 In: Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed., Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990, pages 782-783; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33; Yamamoto et al., J. Pharm. Exp. Ther., 1992, 263, 25; Yamashita et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 1990, 79, 579-583).

Chelating Agents: Chelating agents, as used in connection with the present invention, can be defined as compounds that remove metallic ions from solution by forming complexes therewith, with the result that absorption of iRNAs through the mucosa is enhanced. With regards to their use as penetration enhancers in the present invention, chelating agents have the added advantage of also serving as DNase inhibitors, as most characterized DNA nucleases require a divalent metal ion for catalysis and are thus inhibited by chelating agents (Jarrett, J. Chromatogr., 1993, 618, 315-339). Suitable chelating agents include but are not limited to disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), citric acid, salicylates (e.g., sodium salicylate, 5-methoxysalicylate and homovanilate), N-acyl derivatives of collagen, laureth-9 and N-amino acyl derivatives of beta-diketones (enamines)(see e.g., Katdare, A. et al., Excipient development for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and drug delivery, CRC Press, Danvers, Mass., 2006; Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, page 92; Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33; Buur et al., J. Control Rel., 1990, 14, 43-51).

Non-chelating Non-surfactants: As used herein, non-chelating non-surfactant penetration enhancing compounds can be defined as compounds that demonstrate insignificant activity as chelating agents or as surfactants but that nonetheless enhance absorption of iRNAs through the alimentary mucosa (see e.g., Muranishi, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1990, 7, 1-33). This class of penetration enhancers include, for example, unsaturated cyclic ureas, 1-alkyl- and 1-alkenylazacyclo-alkanone derivatives (Lee et al., Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 1991, page 92); and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as diclofenac sodium, indomethacin and phenylbutazone (Yamashita et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 1987, 39, 621-626).

Agents that enhance uptake of iRNAs at the cellular level may also be added to the pharmaceutical and other compositions of the present invention. For example, cationic lipids, such as lipofectin (Junichi et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,188), cationic glycerol derivatives, and polycationic molecules, such as polylysine (Lollo et al., PCT Application WO 97/30731), are also known to enhance the cellular uptake of dsRNAs. Examples of commercially available transfection reagents include, for example Lipofectamine™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), Lipofectamine 2000™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), 293fectin™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), Cellfectin™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), DMRIE-C™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), FreeStyle™ MAX (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), Lipofectamine™ 2000 CD (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), Lipofectamine™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), RNAiMAX (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), Oligofectamine™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), Optifect™ (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, Calif.), X-tremeGENE Q2 Transfection Reagent (Roche; Grenzacherstrasse, Switzerland), DOTAP Liposomal Transfection Reagent (Grenzacherstrasse, Switzerland), DOSPER Liposomal Transfection Reagent (Grenzacherstrasse, Switzerland), or Fugene (Grenzacherstrasse, Switzerland), Transfectam® Reagent (Promega; Madison, Wis.), TransFast™ Transfection Reagent (Promega; Madison, Wis.), Tfx™-20 Reagent (Promega; Madison, Wis.), Tfx™-50 Reagent (Promega; Madison, Wis.), DreamFect™ (OZ Biosciences; Marseille, France), EcoTransfect (OZ Biosciences; Marseille, France), TransPass^(a) D1 Transfection Reagent (New England Biolabs; Ipswich, Mass., USA), LyoVec™/LipoGen™ (Invivogen; San Diego, Calif., USA), PerFectin Transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, Calif., USA), NeuroPORTER Transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, Calif., USA), GenePORTER Transfection reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, Calif., USA), GenePORTER 2 Transfection reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, Calif., USA), Cytofectin Transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, Calif., USA), BaculoPORTER Transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, Calif., USA), TroganPORTERT™ transfection Reagent (Genlantis; San Diego, Calif., USA), RiboFect (Bioline; Taunton, Mass., USA), PlasFect (Bioline; Taunton, Mass., USA), UniFECTOR (B-Bridge International; Mountain View, Calif., USA), SureFECTOR (B-Bridge International; Mountain View, Calif., USA), or HiFect™ (B-Bridge International, Mountain View, Calif., USA), among others.

Other agents may be utilized to enhance the penetration of the administered nucleic acids, including glycols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, pyrrols such as 2-pyrrol, azones, and terpenes such as limonene and menthone.

Carriers

Certain compositions of the present invention also incorporate carrier compounds in the formulation. As used herein, “carrier compound” or “carrier” can refer to a nucleic acid, or analog thereof, which is inert (i.e., does not possess biological activity per se) but is recognized as a nucleic acid by in vivo processes that reduce the bioavailability of a nucleic acid having biological activity by, for example, degrading the biologically active nucleic acid or promoting its removal from circulation. The coadministration of a nucleic acid and a carrier compound, typically with an excess of the latter substance, can result in a substantial reduction of the amount of nucleic acid recovered in the liver, kidney or other extracirculatory reservoirs, presumably due to competition between the carrier compound and the nucleic acid for a common receptor. For example, the recovery of a partially phosphorothioate dsRNA in hepatic tissue can be reduced when it is coadministered with polyinosinic acid, dextran sulfate, polycytidic acid or 4-acetamido-4′isothiocyano-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (Miyao et al., DsRNA Res. Dev., 1995, 5, 115-121; Takakura et al., DsRNA & Nucl. Acid Drug Dev., 1996, 6, 177-183.

Excipients

In contrast to a carrier compound, a “pharmaceutical carrier” or “excipient” is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, suspending agent or any other pharmacologically inert vehicle for delivering one or more nucleic acids to an animal. The excipient may be liquid or solid and is selected, with the planned manner of administration in mind, so as to provide for the desired bulk, consistency, etc., when combined with a nucleic acid and the other components of a given pharmaceutical composition. Typical pharmaceutical carriers include, but are not limited to, binding agents (e.g., pregelatinized maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, etc.); fillers (e.g., lactose and other sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, pectin, gelatin, calcium sulfate, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylates or calcium hydrogen phosphate, etc.); lubricants (e.g., magnesium stearate, talc, silica, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, metallic stearates, hydrogenated vegetable oils, corn starch, polyethylene glycols, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, etc.); disintegrants (e.g., starch, sodium starch glycolate, etc.); and wetting agents (e.g., sodium lauryl sulphate, etc).

Pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic excipients suitable for non-parenteral administration which do not deleteriously react with nucleic acids can also be used to formulate the compositions of the present invention. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and the like.

Formulations for topical administration of nucleic acids may include sterile and non-sterile aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solutions in common solvents such as alcohols, or solutions of the nucleic acids in liquid or solid oil bases. The solutions may also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives. Pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic excipients suitable for non-parenteral administration which do not deleteriously react with nucleic acids can be used.

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include, but are not limited to, water, salt solutions, alcohol, polyethylene glycols, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, hydroxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and the like.

Other Components

The compositions of the present invention may additionally contain other adjunct components conventionally found in pharmaceutical compositions, at their art-established usage levels. Thus, for example, the compositions may contain additional, compatible, pharmaceutically-active materials such as, for example, antipruritics, astringents, local anesthetics or anti-inflammatory agents, or may contain additional materials useful in physically formulating various dosage forms of the compositions of the present invention, such as dyes, flavoring agents, preservatives, antioxidants, opacifiers, thickening agents and stabilizers. However, such materials, when added, should not unduly interfere with the biological activities of the components of the compositions of the present invention. The formulations can be sterilized and, if desired, mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., lubricants, preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, salts for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers, colorings, flavorings and/or aromatic substances and the like which do not deleteriously interact with the nucleic acid(s) of the formulation.

Aqueous suspensions may contain substances that increase the viscosity of the suspension including, for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol and/or dextran. The suspension may also contain stabilizers.

In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions featured in the invention include (a) one or more iRNA compounds and (b) one or more biologic agents which function by a non-RNAi mechanism.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD50/ED50. Compounds that exhibit high therapeutic indices are preferred.

The data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in humans. The dosage of compositions featured in the invention lies generally within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or no toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. For any compound used in the methods featured in the invention, the therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays. A dose may be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating plasma concentration range of the compound or, when appropriate, of the polypeptide product of a target sequence (e.g., achieving a decreased concentration of the polypeptide) that includes the IC50 (i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition of symptoms) as determined in cell culture. Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans. Levels in plasma may be measured, for example, by high performance liquid chromatography.

In addition to their administration, as discussed above, the iRNAs featured in the invention can be administered in combination with other known agents effective in treatment of pathological processes mediated by EGLN expression. In any event, the administering physician can adjust the amount and timing of iRNA administration on the basis of results observed using standard measures of efficacy known in the art or described herein.

Methods for Treating Diseases Caused by Expression of an EGLN Gene

The invention relates in particular to the use of an iRNA targeting EGLN and compositions containing at least one such iRNA for the treatment of an EGLN-mediated disorder or disease. For example, a composition containing an iRNA targeting at least one EGLN gene is used for treatment of anemia. As used herein, “anemia” refers to a condition whereby the body has fewer than necessary red blood cells thereby resulting in reduced oxygen to cells and tissues. Anemias may be caused by any of several disorders and include, but are not limited to anemia due to B12 deficiency, anemia due to folate deficiency, anemia due to iron deficiency, hemolytic anemia, hemolytic anemia due to G-6-PD deficiency, idiopathic aplastic anemia, idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune hemolytic anemia, iegaloblastic anemia, pernicious anemia, secondary aplastic anemia, and sickle cell anemia. Certain symptoms are associated with anemia and include pale skin, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, irritability, low body temperature, numb/cold hands or feet, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, weakness and chest pain any of which may be ameliorated by administration of the iRNA agents targeting one or more EGLN genes of the present invention.

In one embodiment at least one iRNA targeting at least one EGLN gene is used to downregulate hepcidin (GenBank Reference NG_(—)011563.1; SEQ ID 2805 representing the complete gene on chromosome 19; and GenBank Reference NM_(—)021175 representing the Hepcidin peptide; SEQ ID NO: 2806). Probes for the detection of hepcidin (HAMP1) were purchased from Panomics (a division of Affymetrix, Santa Clara, Calif.) and can detect either HAMP1 or HAMP2. Hepcidin is a peptide hormone that is produced by the liver. It is believed that hepcidin binds to ion channel to inhibit iron transport out of the cells which store iron. The downregulation of hepcidin may result in increased mobilization of iron in the body.

In one embodiment at least one iRNA targeting at least one EGLN gene is used for the treatment of cancer. As used herein “cancer” refers to any of various malignant neoplasms characterized by the proliferation of anaplastic cells that tend to invade surrounding tissue and metastasize to new body sites and also refers to the pathological condition characterized by such malignant neoplastic growths. A cancer can be a tumor or hematological malignancy, and includes but is not limited to, all types of cancers but preferably leukemias, and those arising in the blood or bone.

Leukemias, or cancers of the blood or bone marrow that are characterized by an abnormal proliferation of white blood cells i.e., leukocytes, can be divided into four major classifications including Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Acute myelogenous leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (AML with translocations between chromosome 10 and 11 [t(10, 11)], chromosome 8 and 21 [t(8;21)], chromosome 15 and 17 [t(15;17)], and inversions in chromosome 16 [inv(16)]; AML with multilineage dysplasia, which includes patients who have had a prior myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or myeloproliferative disease that transforms into AML; AML and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), therapy-related, which category includes patients who have had prior chemotherapy and/or radiation and subsequently develop AML or MDS; d) AML not otherwise categorized, which includes subtypes of AML that do not fall into the above categories; and e) Acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage, which occur when the leukemic cells can not be classified as either myeloid or lymphoid cells, or where both types of cells are present); and Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). These types of leukemias are particularly amenable to treatment with the iRNA agents of the present invention.

The invention further relates to the use of an iRNA or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, e.g., for treating anemia or cancer, in combination with other pharmaceuticals and/or other therapeutic methods, e.g., with known pharmaceuticals and/or known therapeutic methods, such as, for example, those which are currently employed for treating these disorders. For example, the iRNA or pharmaceutical composition thereof can also be administered in conjunction with one or more additional anti-cancer treatments, such as biological, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Accordingly, a treatment can include, for example, imatinib (Gleevac), all-trans-retinoic acid, a monoclonal antibody treatment (gemtuzumab, ozogamicin), chemotherapy (for example, chlorambucil, prednisone, prednisolone, vincristine, cytarabine, clofarabine, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, decitabine, inhibitors of MDR1), rituximab, interferon-α, anthracycline drugs (such as daunorubicin or idarubicin), L-asparaginase, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, bleomycin, fludarabine, etoposide, pentostatin, or cladribine), bone marrow transplant, stem cell transplant, radiation thereapy, anti-metabolite drugs (methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine), or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the iRNA agents of the present invention may be administered in combination with an iron supplement. The administration may be simultaneously, together, or apart. The dosing may be on the same schedule, an offset schedule or a one time administration of the iron supplement. The iron supplement may be given on an “as needed” basis depending on measurements made in the particular patient.

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy, X-ray therapy, or irradiation) is the use of ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy can be administered externally via external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or internally via brachytherapy. The effects of radiation therapy are localised and confined to the region being treated. Radiation therapy may be used to treat almost every type of solid tumor, including cancers of the brain, breast, cervix, larynx, lung, pancreas, prostate, skin, stomach, uterus, or soft tissue sarcomas. Radiation is also used to treat leukemia and lymphoma.

Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that can destroy cancer cells. In current usage, the term “chemotherapy” usually refers to cytotoxic drugs which affect rapidly dividing cells in general, in contrast with targeted therapy. Chemotherapy drugs interfere with cell division in various possible ways, e.g. with the duplication of DNA or the separation of newly formed chromosomes. Most forms of chemotherapy target all rapidly dividing cells and are not specific to cancer cells, although some degree of specificity may come from the inability of many cancer cells to repair DNA damage, while normal cells generally can. Most chemotherapy regimens are given in combination. Exemplary chemotherapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, 5-FU Enhancer, 9-AC, AG2037, AG3340, Aggrecanase Inhibitor, Aminoglutethimide, Amsacrine (m-AMSA), Asparaginase, Azacitidine, Batimastat (BB94), BAY 12-9566, BCH-4556, Bis-Naphtalimide, Busulfan, Capecitabine, Carboplatin, Carmustaine+Polifepr Osan, cdk4/cdk2 inhibitors, Chlorombucil, CI-994, Cisplatin, Cladribine, CS-682, Cytarabine HCl, D2163, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin HCl, DepoCyt, Dexifosamide, Docetaxel, Dolastain, Doxifluridine, Doxorubicin, DX8951f, E 7070, EGFR, Epirubicin, Erythropoietin, Estramustine phosphate sodium, Etoposide (VP16-213), Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitor, FK 317, Flavopiridol, Floxuridine, Fludarabine, Fluorouracil (5-FU), Flutamide, Fragyline, Gemcitabine, Hexamethylmelamine (HMM), Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide), Ifosfamide, Interferon Alfa-2a, Interferon Alfa-2b, Interleukin-2, Irinotecan, ISI 641, Krestin, Lemonal DP 2202, Leuprolide acetate (LHRH-releasing factor analogue), Levamisole, LiGLA (lithium-gamma linolenate), Lodine Seeds, Lometexol, Lomustine (CCNU), Marimistat, Mechlorethamine HCl (nitrogen mustard), Megestrol acetate, Meglamine GLA, Mercaptopurine, Mesna, Mitoguazone (methyl-GAG; methyl glyoxal bis-guanylhydrazone; MGBG), Mitotane (o.p′-DDD), Mitoxantrone, Mitoxantrone HCl, MMI 270, MMP, MTA/LY 231514, Octreotide, ODN 698, OK-432, Oral Platinum, Oral Taxoid, Paclitaxel (TAXOL®), PARP Inhibitors, PD 183805, Pentostatin (2′ deoxycoformycin), PKC 412, Plicamycin, Procarbazine HCl, PSC 833, Ralitrexed, RAS Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitor, RAS Oncogene Inhibitor, Semustine (methyl-CCNU), Streptozocin, Suramin, Tamoxifen citrate, Taxane Analog, Temozolomide, Teniposide (VM-26), Thioguanine, Thiotepa, Topotecan, Tyrosine Kinase, UFT (Tegafur/Uracil), Valrubicin, Vinblastine sulfate, Vindesine sulfate, VX-710, VX-853, YM 116, ZD 0101, ZD 0473/Anormed, ZD 1839, ZD 9331.

Biological therapies use the body's immune system, either directly or indirectly, to fight cancer or to lessen the side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. In one sense, targeting one or more EGLN genes can be considered in this group of therapies in that it can stimulate immune system action against a tumor, for example. However, this approach can also be considered with other such biological approaches, e.g., immune response modifying therapies such as the administration of interferons, interleukins, colony-stimulating factors, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, gene therapy, and nonspecific immunomodulating agents are also envisioned as anti-cancer therapies to be combined with the inhibition of EGLN. Small molecule targeted therapy drugs are generally inhibitors of enzymatic domains on mutated, overexpressed, or otherwise critical proteins within the cancer cell, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib (Gleevec/Glivec) and gefitinib (Iressa). Examples of monoclonal antibody therapies that can be used with an iRNA or pharmaceutical composition thereof include, but are not limited to, the anti-HER2/neu antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) used in breast cancer, and the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, used in a variety of B-cell malignancies. The growth of some cancers can be inhibited by providing or blocking certain hormones. Common examples of hormone-sensitive tumors include certain types of breast and prostate cancers. Removing or blocking estrogen or testosterone is often an important additional treatment. In certain cancers, administration of hormone agonists, such as progestogens may be therapeutically beneficial.

Cancer immunotherapy refers to a diverse set of therapeutic strategies designed to induce the patient's own immune system to fight the tumor, and include, but are not limited to, intravesical BCG immunotherapy for superficial bladder cancer, vaccines to generate specific immune responses, such as for malignant melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, and the use of Sipuleucel-T for prostate cancer, in which dendritic cells from the patient are loaded with prostatic acid phosphatase peptides to induce a specific immune response against prostate-derived cells.

In some embodiments, an iRNA targeting one or more EGLN genes is administered in combination with an angiogenesis inhibitor. In some embodiments, the angiogenesis inhibitors for use in the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, monoclonal antibody therapies directed against specific pro-angiogenic growth factors and/or their receptors. Examples of these are: bevacizumab (Avastin®), cetuximab (Erbitux®), panitumumab (Vectibix™), and trastuzumab (Herceptin®). In some embodiments, the angiogenesis inhibitors for use in the methods described herein include but are not limited to small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of multiple pro-angiogenic growth factor receptors. The three TKIs that are currently approved as anti-cancer therapies are erlotinib (Tarceva®), sorafenib (Nexavar®), and sunitinib (Sutent®). In some embodiments, the angiogenesis inhibitors for use in the methods described herein include but are not limited to inhibitors of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) such as temsirolimus (Toricel™), bortezomib (Velcade®), thalidomide (Thalomid®), and Doxycyclin.

In other embodiments, the angiogenesis inhibitors for use in the methods described herein include one or more drugs that target the VEGF pathway, including, but not limited to, Bevacizumab (Avastin®), sunitinib (Sutent®), and sorafenib (Nexavar®). Additional VEGF inhibitors include CP-547,632 (3-(4-Bromo-2,6-difluoro-benzyloxy)-5-[3-(4-pyrrolidin 1-yl-butyl)-ureido]-isothiazole-4-carboxylic acid amide hydrochloride; Pfizer Inc., NY), AG13736, AG28262 (Pfizer Inc.), SU5416, SU11248, & SU6668 (formerly Sugen Inc., now Pfizer, New York, N.Y.), ZD-6474 (AstraZeneca), ZD4190 which inhibits VEGF-R2 and -R1 (AstraZeneca), CEP-7055 (Cephalon Inc., Frazer, Pa.), PKC 412 (Novartis), AEE788 (Novartis), AZD-2171), NEXAVAR® (BAY 43-9006, sorafenib; Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Onyx Pharmaceuticals), vatalanib (also known as PTK-787, ZK-222584: Novartis & Schering: AG), MACUGEN® (pegaptanib octasodium, NX-1838, EYE-001, Pfizer Inc./Gilead/Eyetech), IM862 (glufanide disodium, Cytran Inc. of Kirkland, Wash., USA), VEGFR2-selective monoclonal antibody DC101 (ImClone Systems, Inc.), angiozyme, a synthetic ribozyme from Ribozyme (Boulder, Colo.) and Chiron (Emeryville, Calif.), Sirna-027 (an siRNA-based VEGFR1 inhibitor, Sirna Therapeutics, San Francisco, Calif.) Caplostatin, soluble ectodomains of the VEGF receptors, Neovastat (1Eterna Zentaris Inc; Quebec City, Calif.), ZM323881 (CalBiochem. CA, USA), pegaptanib (Macugen) (Eyetech Pharmaceuticals), an anti-VEGF aptamer and combinations thereof.

In other embodiments, the angiogenesis inhibitors for use in the methods described herein include anti-angiogenic factors such as alpha-2 antiplasmin (fragment), angiostatin (plasminogen fragment), antiangiogenic antithrombin III, cartilage-derived inhibitor (CDI), CD59 complement fragment, endostatin (collagen XVIII fragment), fibronectin fragment, gro-beta (a C—X—C chemokine), heparinases heparin hexasaccharide fragment, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), interferon alpha/beta/gamma, interferon inducible protein (IP-10), interleukin-12, kringle 5 (plasminogen fragment), beta-thromboglobulin, EGF (fragment), VEGF inhibitor, endostatin, fibronection (45 kD fragment), high molecular weight kininogen (domain 5), NK1, NK2, NK3 fragments of HGF, PF-4, serpin proteinase inhibitor 8, TGF-beta-1, thrombospondin-1, prosaposin, p53, angioarrestin, metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMPs), 2-Methoxyestradiol, placental ribonuclease inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor, prolactin 16 kD fragment, proliferin-related protein (PRP), retinoids, tetrahydrocortisol-S transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b), vasculostatin, and vasostatin (calreticulin fragment).pamidronate thalidomide, TNP470, the bisphosphonate family such as amino-bisphosphonate zoledronic acid. bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) antagonists such as RC-3095 and RC-3940-II (Bajol A M, et. al., British Journal of Cancer (2004) 90, 245-252), anti-VEGF peptide (dRK6) (Seung-Ah Yoo, J. Immuno, 2005, 174: 5846-5855).

Efficacy of treatment or amelioration of disease can be assessed, for example by measuring disease progression, disease remission, symptom severity, reduction in pain, quality of life, dose of a medication required to sustain a treatment effect, level of a disease marker or any other measurable parameter appropriate for a given disease being treated or targeted for prevention. It is well within the ability of one skilled in the art to monitor efficacy of treatment or prevention by measuring any one of such parameters, or any combination of parameters. In connection with the administration of an iRNA targeting one or more EGLN genes or pharmaceutical composition thereof, “effective against” a cancer indicates that administration in a clinically appropriate manner results in a beneficial effect for at least a statistically significant fraction of patients, such as a improvement of symptoms, a cure, a reduction in disease load, reduction in tumor mass or cell numbers, extension of life, improvement in quality of life, or other effect generally recognized as positive by medical doctors familiar with treating the particular type of cancer.

In one embodiment the disorder is anemia where efficacy of treatment can be determined by measuring standard endpoints associated with improvement anemia due to B12 deficiency, anemia due to folate deficiency, anemia due to iron deficiency, hemolytic anemia, hemolytic anemia due to G-6-PD deficiency, idiopathic aplastic anemia, idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune hemolytic anemia, iegaloblastic anemia, pernicious anemia, secondary aplastic anemia, and sickle cell anemia. For example, an improvement in any of the manifestations of anemia such as pale skin, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, irritability, low body temperature, numb/cold hands or feet, rapid heartbeat, reduced erythropoietin, shortness of breath, weakness and chest pain would be considered indicative of effective treatment.

A treatment or preventive effect is evident when there is a statistically significant improvement in one or more parameters of disease status, or by a failure to worsen or to develop symptoms where they would otherwise be anticipated. As an example, a favorable change of at least 10% in a measurable parameter of disease, and preferably at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more can be indicative of effective treatment. Efficacy for a given iRNA drug or formulation of that drug can also be judged using an experimental animal model for the given disease as known in the art. When using an experimental animal model, efficacy of treatment is evidenced when a statistically significant reduction in a marker or symptom is observed.

The invention relates in particular to the use of one or more iRNA targeting one or more EGLN genes and compositions containing at least one such iRNA for the treatment of an EGLN-mediated disorder or disease. For example, a composition containing an iRNA targeting an EGLN gene is used for treatment of an infectious disease or disorder, for example, in a subject having an infection. In some preferred embodiments the subject has an infection or is at risk of having an infection. An “infection” as used herein refers to a disease or condition attributable to the presence in a host of a foreign organism or agent that reproduces within the host. Infections typically involve breach of a normal mucosal or other tissue barrier by an infectious organism or agent. A subject that has an infection is a subject having objectively measurable infectious organisms or agents present in the subject's body. A subject at risk of having an infection is a subject that is predisposed to develop an infection. Such a subject can include, for example, a subject with a known or suspected exposure to an infectious organism or agent. A subject at risk of having an infection also can include a subject with a condition associated with impaired ability to mount an immune response to an infectious organism or agent, e.g., a subject with a congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, a subject undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy, a subject with a burn injury, a subject with a traumatic injury, a subject undergoing surgery or other invasive medical or dental procedure.

Infections are broadly classified as bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic based on the category of infectious organism or agent involved. Other less common types of infection are also known in the art, including, e.g., infections involving rickettsiae, mycoplasmas, and agents causing scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopthy (BSE), and prion diseases (e.g., kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease). Examples of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites which cause infection are well known in the art. An infection can be acute, subacute, chronic, or latent, and it can be localized or systemic. As defined herein, a “chronic infection” refers to those infections that are not cleared by the normal actions of the innate or adaptive immune responses and persist in the subject for a long duration of time, on the order of weeks, months, and years. A chronic infection may reflect latency of the infectious agent, and may be include periods in which no infectious symptoms are present, i.e., asymptomatic periods. Examples of chronic infections include, but are not limited to, HIV infection and herpesvirus infections. Furthermore, an infection can be predominantly intracellular or extracellular during at least one phase of the infectious organism's or agent's life cycle in the host.

Exemplary viruses include, but are not limited to: Retroviridae (e.g., human immunodeficiency viruses, such as HIV-1 (also referred to as HTLV-III), HIV-2, LAV or HTLV-III/LAV, or HIV-III, and other isolates, such as HIV-LP; Picornaviridae (e.g., polio viruses, hepatitis A virus; enteroviruses, human Coxsackie viruses, rhinoviruses, echoviruses); Calciviridae (e.g., strains that cause gastroenteritis); Togaviridae (e.g., equine encephalitis viruses, rubella viruses); Flaviviridae (e.g., dengue viruses, encephalitis viruses, yellow fever viruses); Coronaviridae (e.g., coronaviruses); Rhabdoviridae (e.g., vesicular stomatitis viruses, rabies viruses); Filoviridae (e.g., ebola viruses); Paramyxoviridae (e.g., parainfluenza viruses, mumps virus, measles virus, respiratory syncytial virus); adenovirus; Orthomyxoviridae (e.g., influenza viruses); Bungaviridae (e.g., Hantaan viruses, bunga viruses, phleboviruses and Nairo viruses); Arena viridae (hemorrhagic fever viruses); Reoviridae (e.g., reoviruses, orbiviurses and rotaviruses, i.e., Rotavirus A, Rotavirus B. Rotavirus C); Birnaviridae; Hepadnaviridae (Hepatitis A and B viruses); Parvoviridae (parvoviruses); Papovaviridae (papilloma viruses, polyoma viruses); Adenoviridae (most adenoviruses); Herpesviridae (herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, Human herpes virus 6, Human herpes virus 7, Human herpes virus 8, varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes virus; Epstein-Barr virus; Rous sarcoma virus; West Nile virus; Japanese equine encephalitis, Norwalk, papilloma virus, parvovirus B19; Poxyiridae (variola viruses, vaccinia viruses, pox viruses); and Iridoviridae (e.g., African swine fever virus); Hepatitis D virus, Hepatitis E virus, and unclassified viruses (e.g., the etiological agents of Spongiform encephalopathies, the agent of delta hepatitis (thought to be a defective satellite of hepatitis B virus), the agents of non-A, non-B hepatitis (class 1=enterally transmitted; class 2=parenterally transmitted (i.e., Hepatitis C); Norwalk and related viruses, and astroviruses).

Bacteria include both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Examples of Gram positive bacteria include, but are not limited to Pasteurella species, Staphylococci species, and Streptococcus species. Examples of Gram negative bacteria include, but are not limited to, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, and Salmonella species. Specific examples of infectious bacteria include but are not limited to: Helicobacter pyloris, Borrelia burgdorferi, Legionella pneumophilia, Mycobacteria spp. (e.g., M. tuberculosis, M. avium, M. intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. gordonae, M. leprae), Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus), Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus), Streptococcus (viridans group), Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus (anaerobic spp.), Streptococcus pneumoniae, pathogenic Campylobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Haemophilus influenzae (Hemophilus influenza B, and Hemophilus influenza non-typable), Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium spp., Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pasturella multocida, Bacteroides spp., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Treponema pallidum, Treponema pertenue, Leptospira, Rickettsia, Actinomyces israelii, meningococcus, pertussis, pneumococcus, shigella, tetanus, Vibrio cholerae, yersinia, Pseudomonas species, Clostridia species, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Yersinia pestis, Brucella species, Legionella pneumophila, Rickettsiae, Chlamydia, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cryptosporidium parvum, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis.

Exemplary fungi and yeast include, but are not limited to, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida stellatoidea, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida viswanathii, Candida lusitaniae, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Aspergillus clavatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Chlamydia trachomatis, Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus laurentii, Cryptococcus albidus, Cryptococcus gattii, Nocardia spp, Histoplasma capsulatum, Pneumocystis jirovecii (or Pneumocystis carinii), Stachybotrys chartarum, and any combination thereof.

Exemplary parasites include, but are not limited to: Entamoeba histolytica; Plasmodium species (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax), Leishmania species (Leishmania tropica, Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania donovani), Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii), Trypanosoma gambiense, Trypanosoma rhodesiense (African sleeping sickness), Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas' disease), Helminths (flat worms, round worms), Babesia microti, Babesia divergens, Giardia lamblia, and any combination thereof.

The invention further relates to the use of an iRNA targeting one or more EGLN genes and compositions containing at least one such iRNA for the treatment of an infectious disease, such as hepatitis B or a chronic bacterial infection, in combination with other pharmaceuticals and/or other therapeutic methods, e.g., with known pharmaceuticals and/or known therapeutic methods, such as, for example, those which are currently employed for treating such infectious diseases or disorders (e.g., antibiotics, anti-viral agents). For example, in certain embodiments, administration of one or more dsRNA targeting EGLN is administered in combination with an antibacterial agent. Examples of anti-bacterial agents useful for the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, natural penicillins, semi-synthetic penicillins, clavulanic acid, cephalolsporins, bacitracin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, oxacillin, azlocillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin, methicillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin, cephalothin, cephapirin, cephalexin, cefamandole, cefaclor, cefazolin, cefuroxine, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, cefsulodin, cefetamet, cefixime, ceftriaxone, cefoperazone, ceftazidine, moxalactam, carbapenems, imipenems, monobactems, eurtreonam, vancomycin, polymyxin, amphotericin B, nystatin, imidazoles, clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, rifampins, ethambutol, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, macrolides, aminoglycosides, streptomycin, kanamycin, tobramycin, amikacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, chlortetracycline, erythromycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, oleandomycin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, quinolones, co-trimoxazole, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, nalidixic acid, temafloxacin, sulfonamides, gantrisin, and trimethoprim; Acedapsone; Acetosulfone Sodium; Alamecin; Alexidine; Amdinocillin; Amdinocillin Pivoxil; Amicycline; Amifloxacin; Amifloxacin Mesylate; Amikacin; Amikacin Sulfate; Aminosalicylic acid; Aminosalicylate sodium; Amoxicillin; Amphomycin; Ampicillin; Ampicillin Sodium; Apalcillin Sodium; Apramycin; Aspartocin; Astromicin Sulfate; Avilamycin; Avoparcin; Azithromycin; Azlocillin; Azlocillin Sodium; Bacampicillin Hydrochloride; Bacitracin; Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate; Bacitracin Zinc; Bambermycins; Benzoylpas Calcium; Berythromycin; Betamicin Sulfate; Biapenem; Biniramycin; Biphenamine Hydrochloride; Bispyrithione Magsulfex; Butikacin; Butirosin Sulfate; Capreomycin Sulfate; Carbadox; Carbenicillin Disodium; Carbenicillin Indanyl Sodium; Carbenicillin Phenyl Sodium; Carbenicillin Potassium; Carumonam Sodium; Cefaclor; Cefadroxil; Cefamandole; Cefamandole Nafate; Cefamandole Sodium; Cefaparole; Cefatrizine; Cefazaflur Sodium; Cefazolin; Cefazolin Sodium; Cefbuperazone; Cefdinir; Cefepime; Cefepime Hydrochloride; Cefetecol; Cefixime; Cefinenoxime Hydrochloride; Cefinetazole; Cefinetazole Sodium; Cefonicid Monosodium; Cefonicid Sodium; Cefoperazone Sodium; Ceforanide; Cefotaxime Sodium; Cefotetan; Cefotetan Disodium; Cefotiam Hydrochloride; Cefoxitin; Cefoxitin Sodium; Cefpimizole; Cefpimizole Sodium; Cefpiramide; Cefpiramide Sodium; Cefpirome Sulfate; Cefpodoxime Proxetil; Cefprozil; Cefroxadine; Cefsulodin Sodium; Ceftazidime; Ceftibuten; Ceftizoxime Sodium; Ceftriaxone Sodium; Cefuroxime; Cefuroxime Axetil; Cefuroxime Pivoxetil; Cefuroxime Sodium; Cephacetrile Sodium; Cephalexin; Cephalexin Hydrochloride; Cephaloglycin; Cephaloridine; Cephalothin Sodium; Cephapirin Sodium; Cephradine; Cetocycline Hydrochloride; Cetophenicol; Chloramphenicol; Chloramphenicol Palmitate; Chloramphenicol Pantothenate Complex; Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate; Chlorhexidine Phosphanilate; Chloroxylenol; Chlortetracycline Bisulfate; Chlortetracycline Hydrochloride; Cinoxacin; Ciprofloxacin; Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride; Cirolemycin; Clarithromycin; Clinafloxacin Hydrochloride; Clindamycin; Clindamycin Hydrochloride; Clindamycin Palmitate Hydrochloride; Clindamycin Phosphate; Clofazimine; Cloxacillin Benzathine; Cloxacillin Sodium; Cloxyquin; Colistimethate Sodium; Colistin Sulfate; Coumermycin; Coumermycin Sodium; Cyclacillin; Cycloserine; Dalfopristin; Dapsone; Daptomycin; Demeclocycline; Demeclocycline Hydrochloride; Demecycline; Denofungin; Diaveridine; Dicloxacillin; Dicloxacillin Sodium; Dihydrostreptomycin Sulfate; Dipyrithione; Dirithromycin; Doxycycline; Doxycycline Calcium; Doxycycline Fosfatex; Doxycycline Hyclate; Droxacin Sodium; Enoxacin; Epicillin; Epitetracycline Hydrochloride; Erythromycin; Erythromycin Acistrate; Erythromycin Estolate; Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate; Erythromycin Gluceptate; Erythromycin Lactobionate; Erythromycin Propionate; Erythromycin Stearate; Ethambutol Hydrochloride; Ethionamide; Fleroxacin; Floxacillin; Fludalanine; Flumequine; Fosfomycin; Fosfomycin Tromethamine; Fumoxicillin; Furazolium Chloride; Furazolium Tartrate; Fusidate Sodium; Fusidic Acid; Gentamicin Sulfate; Gloximonam; Gramicidin; Haloprogin; Hetacillin; Hetacillin Potassium; Hexedine; Ibafloxacin; Inipenem; Isoconazole; Isepamicin; Isoniazid; Josamycin; Kanamycin Sulfate; Kitasamycin; Levofuraltadone; Levopropylcillin Potassium; Lexithromycin; Lincomycin; Lincomycin Hydrochloride; Lomefloxacin; Lomefloxacin Hydrochloride; Lomefloxacin Mesylate; Loracarbef; Mafenide; Meclocycline; Meclocycline Sulfosalicylate; Megalomicin Potassium Phosphate; Mequidox; Meropenem; Methacycline; Methacycline Hydrochloride; Methenamine; Methenamine Hippurate; Methenamine Mandelate; Methicillin Sodium; Metioprim; Metronidazole Hydrochloride; Metronidazole Phosphate; Mezlocillin; Mezlocillin Sodium; Minocycline; Minocycline Hydrochloride; Mirincamycin Hydrochloride; Monensin; Monensin Sodium; Nafcillin Sodium; Nalidixate Sodium; Nalidixic Acid; Natamycin; Nebramycin; Neomycin Palmitate; Neomycin Sulfate; Neomycin Undecylenate; Netilmicin Sulfate; Neutramycin; Nifuradene; Nifuraldezone; Nifuratel; Nifuratrone; Nifurdazil; Nifurimide; Nifurpirinol; Nifurquinazol; Nifurthiazole; Nitrocycline; Nitrofurantoin; Nitromide; Norfloxacin; Novobiocin Sodium; Ofloxacin; Ormetoprim; Oxacillin Sodium; Oximonam; Oximonam Sodium; Oxolinic Acid; Oxytetracycline; Oxytetracycline Calcium; Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride; Paldimycin; Parachlorophenol; Paulomycin; Pefloxacin; Pefloxacin Mesylate; Penamecillin; Penicillin G Benzathine; Penicillin G Potassium; Penicillin G Procaine; Penicillin G Sodium; Penicillin V; Penicillin V Benzathine; Penicillin V Hydrabamine; Penicillin V Potassium; Pentizidone Sodium; Phenyl Aminosalicylate; Piperacillin Sodium; Pirbenicillin Sodium; Piridicillin Sodium; Pirlimycin Hydrochloride; Pivampicillin Hydrochloride; Pivampicillin Pamoate; Pivampicillin Probenate; Polymyxin B Sulfate; Porfiromycin; Propikacin; Pyrazinamide; Pyrithione Zinc; Quindecamine Acetate; Quinupristin; Racephenicol; Ramoplanin; Ranimycin; Relomycin; Repromicin; Rifabutin; Rifametane; Rifamexil; Rifamide; Rifampin; Rifapentine; Rifaximin; Rolitetracycline; Rolitetracycline Nitrate; Rosaramicin; Rosaramicin Butyrate; Rosaramicin Propionate; Rosaramicin Sodium Phosphate; Rosaramicin Stearate; Rosoxacin; Roxarsone; Roxithromycin; Sancycline; Sanfetrinem Sodium; Sarmoxicillin; Sarpicillin; Scopafungin; Sisomicin; Sisomicin Sulfate; Sparfloxacin; Spectinomycin Hydrochloride; Spiramycin; Stallimycin Hydrochloride; Steffimycin; Streptomycin Sulfate; Streptonicozid; Sulfabenz; Sulfabenzamide; Sulfacetamide; Sulfacetamide Sodium; Sulfacytine; Sulfadiazine; Sulfadiazine Sodium; Sulfadoxine; Sulfalene; Sulfamerazine; Sulfameter; Sulfamethazine; Sulfamethizole; Sulfamethoxazole; Sulfamonomethoxine; Sulfamoxole; Sulfanilate Zinc; Sulfanitran; Sulfasalazine; Sulfasomizole; Sulfathiazole; Sulfazamet; Sulfisoxazole; Sulfisoxazole Acetyl; Sulfisoxazole Diolamine; Sulfomyxin; Sulopenem; Sultamicillin; Suncillin Sodium; Talampicillin Hydrochloride; Teicoplanin; Temafloxacin Hydrochloride; Temocillin; Tetracycline; Tetracycline Hydrochloride; Tetracycline Phosphate Complex; Tetroxoprim; Thiamphenicol; Thiphencillin Potassium; Ticarcillin Cresyl Sodium; Ticarcillin Disodium; Ticarcillin Monosodium; Ticlatone; Tiodonium Chloride; Tobramycin; Tobramycin Sulfate; Tosufloxacin; Trimethoprim; Trimethoprim Sulfate; Trisulfapyrimidines; Troleandomycin; Trospectomycin Sulfate; Tyrothricin; Vancomycin; Vancomycin Hydrochloride; Virginiamycin; and Zorbamycin.

In other embodiments, administration of one or more dsRNA targeting one or more EGLN genes is performed in combination with an anti-viral medicament or agent. Exemplary antiviral agents useful for the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, immunoglobulins, amantadine, interferon, nucleoside analogues, and protease inhibitors. Specific examples of antiviral agents include but are not limited to Acemannan; Acyclovir; Acyclovir Sodium; Adefovir; Alovudine; Alvircept Sudotox; Amantadine Hydrochloride; Aranotin; Arildone; Atevirdine Mesylate; Avridine; Cidofovir; Cipamfylline; Cytarabine Hydrochloride; Delavirdine Mesylate; Desciclovir; Didanosine; Disoxaril; Edoxudine; Enviradene; Enviroxime; Famciclovir; Famotine Hydrochloride; Fiacitabine; Fialuridine; Fosarilate; Foscamet Sodium; Fosfonet Sodium; Ganciclovir; Ganciclovir Sodium; Idoxuridine; Kethoxal; Lamivudine; Lobucavir; Memotine Hydrochloride; Methisazone; Nevirapine; Penciclovir; Pirodavir; Ribavirin; Rimantadine Hydrochloride; Saquinavir Mesylate; Somantadine Hydrochloride; Sorivudine; Statolon; Stavudine; Tilorone Hydrochloride; Trifluridine; Valacyclovir Hydrochloride; Vidarabine; Vidarabine Phosphate; Vidarabine Sodium Phosphate; Viroxime; Zalcitabine; Zidovudine; and Zinviroxime.

In other embodiments, administration of one or more dsRNA targeting one or more EGLN genes is performed in combination with an anti-fungal medicament or agent. An “antifungal medicament” is an agent that kills or inhibits the growth or function of infective fungi. Anti-fungal medicaments are sometimes classified by their mechanism of action. Some anti-fungal agents function as cell wall inhibitors by inhibiting glucose synthase, other antifungal agents function by destabilizing membrane integrity, and other antifungal agents function by breaking down chitin (e.g., chitinase) or immunosuppression (501 cream). Thus, exemplary antifungal medicaments useful for the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, imidazoles, 501 cream, and Acrisorcin, Ambruticin, Amorolfine, Amphotericin B, Azaconazole, Azaserine, Basifungin, BAY 38-9502, Bifonazole, Biphenamine Hydrochloride, Bispyrithione Magsulfex, Butenafine, Butoconazole Nitrate, Calcium Undecylenate, Candicidin, Carbol-Fuchsin, Chitinase, Chlordantoin, Ciclopirox, Ciclopirox Olamine, Cilofungin, Cisconazole, Clotrimazole, Cuprimyxin, Denofungin, Dipyrithione, Doconazole, Econazole, Econazole Nitrate, Enilconazole, Ethonam Nitrate, Fenticonazole Nitrate, Filipin, FK 463, Fluconazole, Flucytosine, Fungimycin, Griseofulvin, Hamycin, Isoconazole, Itraconazole, Kalafungin, Ketoconazole, Lomofungin, Lydimycin, Mepartricin, Miconazole, Miconazole Nitrate, MK 991, Monensin, Monensin Sodium, Naftifine Hydrochloride, Neomycin Undecylenate, Nifuratel, Nifurmerone, Nitralamine Hydrochloride, Nystatin, Octanoic Acid, Orconazole Nitrate, Oxiconazole Nitrate, Oxifungin Hydrochloride, Parconazole Hydrochloride, Partricin, Potassium Iodide, Pradimicin, Proclonol, Pyrithione Zinc, PyrroInitrin, Rutamycin, Sanguinarium Chloride, Saperconazole, Scopafungin, Selenium Sulfide, Sertaconazole, Sinefungin, Sulconazole Nitrate, Terbinafine, Terconazole, Thiram, Ticlatone, Tioconazole, Tolciclate, Tolindate, Tolnaftate, Triacetin, Triafungin, UK 292, Undecylenic Acid, Viridofulvin, Voriconazole, Zinc Undecylenate, and Zinoconazole Hydrochloride.

In further embodiments, administration of one or more dsRNA targeting one or more EGLN genes is administered in combination with an anti-parasitic medicament or agent. An “antiparasitic medicament” refers to an agent that kills or inhibits the growth or function of infective parasites. Examples of antiparasitic medicaments, also referred to as parasiticides, useful for the methods described herein include, but are not limited to, albendazole, amphotericin B, benznidazole, bithionol, chloroquine HCl, chloroquine phosphate, clindamycin, dehydroemetine, diethylcarbamazine, diloxanide furoate, doxycycline, eflomithine, furazolidaone, glucocorticoids, halofantrine, iodoquinol, ivermectin, mebendazole, mefloquine, meglumine antimoniate, melarsoprol, metrifonate, metronidazole, niclosamide, nifurtimox, oxamniquine, paromomycin, pentamidine isethionate, piperazine, praziquantel, primaquine phosphate, proguanil, pyrantel pamoate, pyrimethanmine-sulfonamides, pyrimethanmine-sulfadoxine, quinacrine HCl, quinine sulfate, quinidine gluconate, spiramycin, stibogluconate sodium (sodium antimony gluconate), suramin, tetracycline, thiabendazole, timidazole, trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tryparsamide, some of which are used alone or in combination with others.

The iRNA and an additional therapeutic agent can be administered in combination in the same composition, e.g., parenterally, or the additional therapeutic agent can be administered as part of a separate composition or by another method described herein.

Patients can be administered a therapeutic amount of iRNA, such as 0.5 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, or 2.5 mg/kg dsRNA. The iRNA can be administered by intravenous infusion over a period of time, such as over a 5 minute, 10 minute, 15 minute, 20 minute, or 25 minute period. The administration is repeated, for example, on a regular basis, such as biweekly (i.e., every two weeks) for one month, two months, three months, four months or longer. After an initial treatment regimen, the treatments can be administered on a less frequent basis. For example, after administration biweekly for three months, administration can be repeated once per month, for six months or a year or longer. Administration of the iRNA can reduce EGLN levels, e.g., in a cell, tissue, blood, urine or other compartment of the patient by at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80% or at least 90% or more.

Before administration of a full dose of the iRNA, patients can be administered a smaller dose, such as a 5% infusion reaction, and monitored for adverse effects, such as an allergic reaction, or for elevated lipid levels or blood pressure. In another example, the patient can be monitored for unwanted immunostimulatory effects, such as increased cytokine (e.g., TNF-alpha or INF-alpha) levels.

Genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of some cancers and hematological malignancies. Therefore, a patient in need of one or more EGLN iRNA may be identified by taking a family history, or, for example, screening for one or more genetic markers or variants. A healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or family member, can take a family history before prescribing or administering an EGLN dsRNA. For example, certain variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to cause an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers. A DNA test may also be performed on the patient to identify a mutation in an EGLN gene, before an EGLN dsRNA is administered to the patient.

Owing to the inhibitory effects on EGLN expression, a composition according to the invention or a pharmaceutical composition prepared therefrom can enhance the quality of life.

Methods for Modulating Expression of an EGLN Gene

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for modulating (e.g., inhibiting or activating) the expression of an EGLN gene in a mammal

In one embodiment, the method includes administering a composition featured in the invention to the mammal such that expression of the target EGLN gene is decreased, such as for an extended duration, e.g., at least two, three, four days or more, e.g., one week, two weeks, three weeks, or four weeks or longer.

In another embodiment, the method includes administering a composition as described herein to a mammal such that expression of the target EGLN gene is increased by e.g., at least 10% compared to an untreated animal. In some embodiments, the activation of EGLN occurs over an extended duration, e.g., at least two, three, four days or more, e.g., one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, or more. Without wishing to be bound by theory, an iRNA can activate EGLN expression by stabilizing an EGLN mRNA transcript, interacting with a promoter in the genome, and/or inhibiting an inhibitor of EGLN expression.

Preferably, the iRNAs useful for the methods and compositions featured in the invention specifically target RNAs (primary or processed) of the target EGLN gene. Compositions and methods for inhibiting the expression of these EGLN genes using iRNAs can be prepared and performed as described elsewhere herein.

In one embodiment, the method includes administering a composition containing an iRNA, where the iRNA includes a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least a part of an RNA transcript of an EGLN gene of the mammal to be treated. When the organism to be treated is a mammal such as a human, the composition may be administered by any means known in the art including, but not limited to oral, intraperitoneal, or parenteral routes, including intracranial (e.g., intraventricular, intraparenchymal and intrathecal), intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, transdermal, airway (aerosol), nasal, rectal, and topical (including buccal and sublingual) administration. In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered by intravenous infusion or injection.

In one embodiment iRNAs are able to substantially target a single organ of the body. The targeted organ may be, but is not limited to, the liver, kidney and spleen. In another embodiment, the organ substantially targeted is the liver.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the iRNAs and methods featured in the invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

EXAMPLES Example 1 iRNA Synthesis

Source of Reagents

Where the source of a reagent is not specifically given herein, such reagent may be obtained from any supplier of reagents for molecular biology at a quality/purity standard for application in molecular biology.

Oligonucleotide Synthesis.

All oligonucleotides are synthesized on an AKTAoligopilot synthesizer. Commercially available controlled pore glass solid support (dT-CPG, 500

, Prime Synthesis) and RNA phosphoramidites with standard protecting groups, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl N6-benzoyl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-adenosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N4-acetyl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-cytidine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N2-isobutryl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-guanosine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite, and 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-2′-t-butyldimethylsilyl-uridine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethylphosphoramidite (Pierce Nucleic Acids Technologies) were used for the oligonucleotide synthesis. The 2′-F phosphoramidites, 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-N4-acetyl-2′-fluoro-cytidine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethyl-phosphoramidite and 5′-O-dimethoxytrityl-2′-fluoro-uridine-3′-O—N,N′-diisopropyl-2-cyanoethyl-phosphoramidite are purchased from (Promega). All phosphoramidites are used at a concentration of 0.2M in acetonitrile (CH₃CN) except for guanosine which is used at 0.2M concentration in 10% THF/ANC (v/v). Coupling/recycling time of 16 minutes is used. The activator is 5-ethyl thiotetrazole (0.75M, American International Chemicals); for the PO-oxidation iodine/water/pyridine is used and for the PS-oxidation PADS (2%) in 2,6-lutidine/ACN (1:1 v/v) is used.

3′-ligand conjugated strands are synthesized using solid support containing the corresponding ligand. For example, the introduction of cholesterol unit in the sequence is performed from a hydroxyprolinol-cholesterol phosphoramidite. Cholesterol is tethered to trans-4-hydroxyprolinol via a 6-aminohexanoate linkage to obtain a hydroxyprolinol-cholesterol moiety. 5′-end Cy-3 and Cy-5.5 (fluorophore) labeled iRNAs are synthesized from the corresponding Quasar-570 (Cy-3) phosphoramidite are purchased from Biosearch Technologies. Conjugation of ligands to 5′-end and or internal position is achieved by using appropriately protected ligand-phosphoramidite building block. An extended 15 min coupling of 0.1 M solution of phosphoramidite in anhydrous CH₃CN in the presence of 5-(ethylthio)-1H-tetrazole activator to a solid-support-bound oligonucleotide. Oxidation of the internucleotide phosphite to the phosphate is carried out using standard iodine-water as reported (1) or by treatment with tert-butyl hydroperoxide/acetonitrile/water (10:87:3) with 10 min oxidation wait time conjugated oligonucleotide. Phosphorothioate is introduced by the oxidation of phosphite to phosphorothioate by using a sulfur transfer reagent such as DDTT (purchased from AM Chemicals), PADS and or Beaucage reagent. The cholesterol phosphoramidite is synthesized in house and used at a concentration of 0.1 M in dichloromethane. Coupling time for the cholesterol phosphoramidite is 16 minutes.

Deprotection I (Nucleobase Deprotection)

After completion of synthesis, the support is transferred to a 100 mL glass bottle (VWR). The oligonucleotide is cleaved from the support with simultaneous deprotection of base and phosphate groups with 80 mL of a mixture of ethanolic ammonia [ammonia:ethanol (3:1)] for 6.5 h at 55° C. The bottle is cooled briefly on ice and then the ethanolic ammonia mixture is filtered into a new 250-mL bottle. The CPG is washed with 2×40 mL portions of ethanol/water (1:1 v/v). The volume of the mixture is then reduced to ˜30 mL by roto-vap. The mixture is then frozen on dry ice and dried under vacuum on a speed vac.

Deprotection II (Removal of 2′-TBDMS Group)

The dried residue is resuspended in 26 mL of triethylamine, triethylamine trihydrofluoride (TEA.3HF) or pyridine-HF and DMSO (3:4:6) and heated at 60° C. for 90 minutes to remove the tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) groups at the 2′ position. The reaction is then quenched with 50 mL of 20 mM sodium acetate and the pH is adjusted to 6.5. Oligonucleotide is stored in a freezer until purification.

Analysis

The oligonucleotides are analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) prior to purification and selection of buffer and column depends on nature of the sequence and or conjugated ligand.

HPLC Purification

The ligand-conjugated oligonucleotides are purified by reverse-phase preparative HPLC. The unconjugated oligonucleotides are purified by anion-exchange HPLC on a TSK gel column packed in house. The buffers are 20 mM sodium phosphate (pH 8.5) in 10% CH₃CN (buffer A) and 20 mM sodium phosphate (pH 8.5) in 10% CH₃CN, 1M NaBr (buffer B). Fractions containing full-length oligonucleotides are pooled, desalted, and lyophilized. Approximately 0.15 OD of desalted oligonucleotidess are diluted in water to 150 μL and then pipetted into special vials for CGE and LC/MS analysis. Compounds are then analyzed by LC-ESMS and CGE.

iRNA Preparation

For the general preparation of iRNA, equimolar amounts of sense and antisense strand are heated in 1×PBS at 95° C. for 5 min and slowly cooled to room temperature. Integrity of the duplex is confirmed by HPLC analysis.

Nucleic acid sequences are represented below using standard nomenclature, and specifically the abbreviations of Table 1.

TABLE 1 Abbreviations of nucleotide monomers used in nucleic acid sequence representation. It will be understood that these monomers, when present in an oligonucleotide, are mutually linked by 5′-3′-phosphodiester bonds. Abbreviation Nucleotide(s) A Adenosine C Cytidine G Guanosine T Thymidine U Uridine N any nucleotide (G, A, C, T or U) a 2′-O-methyladenosine c 2′-O-methylcytidine g 2′-O-methylguanosine u 2′-O-methyluridine dT 2′-deoxythymidine s phosphorothioate linkage

Example 2 EGLN siRNA Design and Synthesis

Transcripts

Oligonucleotide design was carried out to identify siRNAs targeting the genes encoding the mouse (Mus musculus) EGLN 1, 2 and 3 genes. The design process used the EGLN transcript NM_(—)053207.2 for EGLN1 (SEQ ID NO: 5), NM_(—)053208.4 for EGLN2 (SEQ ID NO: 6), and NM_(—)028133.2 for EGLN3 (SEQ ID NO: 7). All sequences were obtained from the NCBI Refseq collection.

The orthologous sequences from humans (Homo sapiens) were also designed. Oligonucleotide design was carried out to identify siRNAs targeting the genes encoding the human (Homo sapiens) EGLN 1, 2 and 3 genes. The design process used the EGLN transcript NM_(—)022051.2 for EGLN1 (SEQ ID NO: 390), NM_(—)053046.2 for EGLN2 (SEQ ID NO: 391), and NM_(—)022073.3 for EGLN3 (SEQ ID NO: 392). All sequences were obtained from the NCBI Refseq collection.

The set of mouse EGLN derived siRNA oligos designed and synthesized are presented in Tables 2A-F.

The set of human EGLN derived siRNA oligonucleotide single and double strand duplexes designed are presented in Tables 6A-C.

siRNA Design and Specificity Prediction

The specificity of the 19mer oligo sets was predicted from each sequence. The EGLN siRNAs were used in a comprehensive search against their respective human, or mouse and rat transcriptomes (defined as the set of NM_ and XM_records within the NCBI Refseq set) using the FASTA algorithm. The Python script ‘offtargetFasta.py’ was then used to parse the alignments and generate a score based on the position and number of mismatches between the siRNA and any potential ‘off-target’ transcript. The off-target score is weighted to emphasize differences in the ‘seed’ region of siRNAs, in positions 2-9 from the 5′ end of the molecule. The off-target score is calculated as follows: mismatches between the oligo and the transcript are given penalties. A mismatch in the seed region in positions 2-9 of the oligo is given a penalty of 2.8; mismatches in the putative cleavage sites 10 and 11 are given a penalty of 1.2, and all other mismatches a penalty of 1. The off-target score for each oligo-transcript pair is then calculated by summing the mismatch penalties. The lowest off-target score from all the oligo-transcript pairs is then determined and used in subsequent sorting of oligos. Both siRNAs strands were assigned to a category of specificity according to the calculated scores: a score above 3 qualifies as highly specific, equal to 3 as specific and between 2.2 and 2.8 as moderate specific. In picking which oligos to synthesize, we sorted from high to low by the off-target score of the antisense strand and took the best (lowest off-target score) oligo pairs.

Synthesis of EGLN Sequences

EGLN targeting sequences were synthesized on a MerMade 192 synthesizer at 1 μmol scale.

For all chemically modified sequences in the list, ‘endolight’ chemistry was applied as detailed below.

-   -   All pyrimidines (cytosine and uridine) in the sense strand         contained 2′-O-Methyl bases (2′ O-Methyl C and 2′-O-Methyl U)     -   In the antisense strand, pyrimidines adjacent to(towards 5′         position) ribo A nucleoside were replaced with their         corresponding 2-O-Methyl nucleosides     -   A two base dTsdT extension at 3′ end of both sense and antisense         sequences was introduced     -   The sequence file was converted to a text file to make it         compatible for loading in the MerMade 192 synthesis software         Synthesis, Cleavage and Deprotection:

The synthesis of EGLN sequences used solid supported oligonucleotide synthesis using phosphoramidite chemistry.

The synthesis of the above sequences was performed at 1 um scale in 96 well plates. The amidite solutions were prepared at 0.1M concentration and ethyl thio tetrazole (0.6M in Acetonitrile) was used as activator.

The synthesized sequences were cleaved and deprotected in 96 well plates, using methylamine in the first step and fluoride reagent in the second step. The crude sequences were precipitated using acetone:ethanol (80:20) mix and the pellet were re-suspended in 0.02M sodium acetate buffer. Samples from each sequence were analyzed by LC-MS to confirm the identity, UV for quantification and a selected set of samples by IEX chromatography to determine purity.

Purification and Desalting:

EGLN sequences were purified on AKTA explorer purification system using Source 15Q column. A column temperature of 65 C was maintained during purification. Sample injection and collection was performed in 96 well (1.8 mL-deep well) plates. A single peak corresponding to the full length sequence was collected in the eluent. The purified sequences were desalted on a Sephadex G25 column using AKTA purifier. The desalted EGLN sequences were analyzed for concentration (by UV measurement at A260) and purity (by ion exchange HPLC). The single strands were then submitted for annealing. The control duplex, AD-1955, which targets the luciferase gene has the sense sequence cuuAcGcuGAGuAcuucGAdTsdT (SEQ ID NO: 8) and the antisense sequence UCGAAGuACUcAGCGuAAGdTsdT (SEQ ID NO: 9), where lower case nucleotides are modified by 2′Omethyl and dT stands for deoxyThymidine and “s” represents a phosphorothioate linkage.

TABLE 2A  Mouse EGNL1 Single Strands and Duplex Sequences SEQ SEQ Duplex Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Number Start* Sense NO. Antisense NO. AD-40893 1057 GCUAUGUCCGUCACGUUGA 10 UCAACGUGACGGACAUAGC 11 AD-40899 1065 CGUCACGUUGAUAACCCAA 12 UUGGGUUAUCAACGUGACG 13 AD-40905 1092 GGAAGAUGCGUGACAUGUA 14 UACAUGUCACGCAUCUUCC 15 AD-40911 1128 GACUGGGACGCCAAGGUAA 16 UUACCUUGGCGUCCCAGUC 17 AD-40917 1150 GAGGUAUUCUUCGAAUUUU 18 AAAAUUCGAAGAAUACCUC 19 AD-40923 1240 GGCGUAACCCUCAUGAAGU 20 ACUUCAUGAGGGUUACGCC 21 AD-40929 1271 CGCCACAAGGUACGCAAUA 22 UAUUGCGUACCUUGUGGCG 23 AD-40888 1272 GCCACAAGGUACGCAAUAA 24 UUAUUGCGUACCUUGUGGC 25 AD-40894 1276 CAAGGUACGCAAUAACUGU 26 ACAGUUAUUGCGUACCUUG 27 AD-40900 1317 CGAGCGAGAGCUAAAGUAA 28 UUACUUUAGCUCUCGCUCG 29 AD-40906 1320 GCGAGAGCUAAAGUAAAAU 30 AUUUUACUUUAGCUCUCGC 31 AD-40912 1356 GGUGUGAGGGUUGAACUCA 32 UGAGUUCAACCCUCACACC 33 AD-40918 1386 GUCAGCAAAGACGUCUAGU 34 ACUAGACGUCUUUGCUGAC 35 AD-40924 1892 GCCUCCUGCGAUGAUUGUU 36 AACAAUCAUCGCAGGAGGC 37 AD-40930 1919 GUGACGACGUGUUGCUUCU 38 AGAAGCAACACGUCGUCAC 39 AD-40889 2043 CGCUUCGACCGACCUAACA 40 UGUUAGGUCGGUCGAAGCG 41 AD-40895 2048 CGACCGACCUAACAGUAGA 42 UCUACUGUUAGGUCGGUCG 43 AD-40901 2093 CAACAUAGUUACAAGAGGA 44 UCCUCUUGUAACUAUGUUG 45 AD-40907 2159 CGAAGUGACGGGCACUAAA 46 UUUAGUGCCCGUCACUUCG 47 AD-40913 2160 GAAGUGACGGGCACUAAAU 48 AUUUAGUGCCCGUCACUUC 49 AD-40919 2372 GUGAAUGUGGUAUGUGGUU 50 AACCACAUACCACAUUCAC 51 AD-40925 2605 GCACAGAUUGUGGGUAUAA 52 UUAUACCCACAAUCUGUGC 53 AD-40931 2624 CUCCUGUCCCCUUAGGUGU 54 ACACCUAAGGGGACAGGAG 55 AD-40890 2732 GUUUGUAUCCGGUUAGAAA 56 UUUCUAACCGGAUACAAAC 57 AD-40896 2889 GUCUCCUUCUGACCCAUAU 58 AUAUGGGUCAGAAGGAGAC 59 AD-40902 2894 CUUCUGACCCAUAUCCGCU 60 AGCGGAUAUGGGUCAGAAG 61 AD-40908 3001 GGAACUGUUUGGCAUUGUU 62 AACAAUGCCAAACAGUUCC 63 AD-40914 3244 CUUAAUGCCCACUUAAACU 64 AGUUUAAGUGGGCAUUAAG 65 AD-40920 3272 GUUAGGACUCUUGUUUAAA 66 UUUAAACAAGAGUCCUAAC 67 AD-40926 3350 CUGUUCAACACAUUAACCA 68 UGGUUAAUGUGUUGAACAG 69 AD-40932 3472 GCUUGUAAAGCUAAUCUAA 70 UUAGAUUAGCUUUACAAGC 71 *Start is the 5′ most position on transcript NM_053207.2

TABLE 2B  Mouse EGNL1 Chemically modified Single Strands and Duplex Sequences For all the sequences in the list, ‘endolight’ chemistry was applied as described above. SEQ SEQ Duplex Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Number Start* Sense NO. Antisense NO. AD-40893 1057 GcuAuGuccGucAcGuuGAdTsdT 72 UcAACGUGACGGAcAuAGCdTsdT 73 AD-40899 1065 cGucAcGuuGAuAAcccAAdTsdT 74 UUGGGUuAUcAACGUGACGdTsdT 75 AD-40905 1092 GGAAGAuGcGuGAcAuGuAdTsdT 76 uAcAUGUcACGcAUCUUCCdTsdT 77 AD-40911 1128 GAcuGGGAcGccAAGGuAAdTsdT 78 UuACCUUGGCGUCCcAGUCdTsdT 79 AD-40917 1150 GAGGuAuucuucGAAuuuudTsdT 80 AAAAUUCGAAGAAuACCUCdTsdT 81 AD-40923 1240 GGcGuAAcccucAuGAAGudTsdT 82 ACUUcAUGAGGGUuACGCCdTsdT 83 AD-40929 1271 cGccAcAAGGuAcGcAAuAdTsdT 84 uAUUGCGuACCUUGUGGCGdTsdT 85 AD-40888 1272 GccAcAAGGuAcGcAAuAAdTsdT 86 UuAUUGCGuACCUUGUGGCdTsdT 87 AD-40894 1276 cAAGGuAcGcAAuAAcuGudTsdT 88 AcAGUuAUUGCGuACCUUGdTsdT 89 AD-40900 1317 cGAGcGAGAGcuAAAGuAAdTsdT 90 UuACUUuAGCUCUCGCUCGdTsdT 91 AD-40906 1320 GcGAGAGcuAAAGuAAAAudTsdT 92 AUUUuACUUuAGCUCUCGCdTsdT 93 AD-40912 1356 GGuGuGAGGGuuGAAcucAdTsdT 94 UGAGUUcAACCCUcAcACCdTsdT 95 AD-40918 1386 GucAGcAAAGAcGucuAGudTsdT 96 ACuAGACGUCUUUGCUGACdTsdT 97 AD-40924 1892 GccuccuGcGAuGAuuGuudTsdT 98 AAcAAUcAUCGcAGGAGGCdTsdT 99 AD-40930 1919 GuGAcGAcGuGuuGcuucudTsdT 100 AGAAGcAAcACGUCGUcACdTsdT 101 AD-40889 2043 cGcuucGAccGAccuAAcAdTsdT 102 UGUuAGGUCGGUCGAAGCGdTsdT 103 AD-40895 2048 cGAccGAccuAAcAGuAGAdTsdT 104 UCuACUGUuAGGUCGGUCGdTsdT 105 AD-40901 2093 cAAcAuAGuuAcAAGAGGAdTsdT 106 UCCUCUUGuAACuAUGUUGdTsdT 107 AD-40907 2159 cGAAGuGAcGGGcAcuAAAdTsdT 108 UUuAGUGCCCGUcACUUCGdTsdT 109 AD-40913 2160 GAAGuGAcGGGcAcuAAAudTsdT 110 AUUuAGUGCCCGUcACUUCdTsdT 111 AD-40919 2372 GuGAAuGuGGuAuGuGGuudTsdT 112 AACcAcAuACcAcAUUcACdTsdT 113 AD-40925 2605 GcAcAGAuuGuGGGuAuAAdTsdT 114 UuAuACCcAcAAUCUGUGCdTsdT 115 AD-40931 2624 cuccuGuccccuuAGGuGudTsdT 116 AcACCuAAGGGGAcAGGAGdTsdT 117 AD-40890 2732 GuuuGuAuccGGuuAGAAAdTsdT 118 UUUCuAACCGGAuAcAAACdTsdT 119 AD-40896 2889 GucuccuucuGAcccAuAudTsdT 120 AuAUGGGUcAGAAGGAGACdTsdT 121 AD-40902 2894 cuucuGAcccAuAuccGcudTsdT 122 AGCGGAuAUGGGUcAGAAGdTsdT 123 AD-40908 3001 GGAAcuGuuuGGcAuuGuudTsdT 124 AAcAAUGCcAAAcAGUUCCdTsdT 125 AD-40914 3244 cuuAAuGcccAcuuAAAcudTsdT 126 AGUUuAAGUGGGcAUuAAGdTsdT 127 AD-40920 3272 GuuAGGAcucuuGuuuAAAdTsdT 128 UUuAAAcAAGAGUCCuAACdTsdT 129 AD-40926 3350 cuGuucAAcAcAuuAAccAdTsdT 130 UGGUuAAUGUGUUGAAcAGdTsdT 131 AD-40932 3472 GcuuGuAAAGcuAAucuAAdTsdT 132 UuAGAUuAGCUUuAcAAGCdTsdT 133

TABLE 2C Mouse EGNL2 Single Strands and Duplex Sequences SEQ SEQ Duplex Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Number Start* Sense NO. Antisense NO. AD- 128 AUCAGUCCCUUCUCAAGCU 134 AGCUUGAGAAGGGACUGAU 135 40891 AD- 418 GUCCUUGGAGUCUAGCCGA 136 UCGGCUAGACUCCAAGGAC 137 40897 AD- 545 GCCACUGCUACUACGACCA 138 UGGUCGUAGUAGCAGUGGC 139 40903 AD- 934 GCCUUGCAUGCGGUACUAU 140 AUAGUACCGCAUGCAAGGC 141 40909 AD- 941 AUGCGGUACUAUGGUAUCU 142 AGAUACCAUAGUACCGCAU 143 40915 AD- 943 GCGGUACUAUGGUAUCUGU 144 ACAGAUACCAUAGUACCGC 145 40921 AD- 956 AUCUGUGUCAAGGACAACU 146 AGUUGUCCUUGACACAGAU 147 40927 AD- 1043 CGUGAUGGGCAACUAGUGA 148 UCACUAGUUGCCCAUCACG 149 40933 AD- 1107 CCUGGGUAGAAGGUCACGA 150 UCGUGACCUUCUACCCAGG 151 40892 AD- 1158 CUCACGUGGACGCAGUAAU 152 AUUACUGCGUCCACGUGAG 153 40898 AD- 1228 GGCCAUGGUGGCGUGUUAU 154 AUAACACGCCACCAUGGCC 155 40904 AD- 1235 GUGGCGUGUUAUCCAGGCA 156 UGCCUGGAUAACACGCCAC 157 40910 AD- 1253 AAUGGGCUCGGGUACGUGA 158 UCACGUACCCGAGCCCAUU 159 40916 AD- 1261 CGGGUACGUGAGGCAUGUU 160 AACAUGCCUCACGUACCCG 161 40922 AD- 1263 GGUACGUGAGGCAUGUUGA 162 UCAACAUGCCUCACGUACC 163 40928 AD- 1272 GGCAUGUUGACAAUCCCCA 164 UGGGGAUUGUCAACAUGCC 165 40934 AD- 1305 GCAUCACCUGUAUCUAUUA 166 UAAUAGAUACAGGUGAUGC 167 40743 AD- 1329 AUCAGAACUGGGAUGUUAA 168 UUAACAUCCCAGUUCUGAU 169 40749 AD- 1335 ACUGGGAUGUUAAGGUGCA 170 UGCACCUUAACAUCCCAGU 171 40755 AD- 1399 CAACAUCGAGCCACUCUUU 172 AAAGAGUGGCUCGAUGUUG 173 40761 AD- 1534 CAGAGACAAGUAUCAGCUA 174 UAGCUGAUACUUGUCUCUG 175 40767 AD- 1537 AGACAAGUAUCAGCUAGCA 176 UGCUAGCUGAUACUUGUCU 177 40773 AD- 1555 AUCGGGACAGAAAGGUGUU 178 AACACCUUUCUGUCCCGAU 179 40779 AD- 1567 AGGUGUUCAAGUACCAGUA 180 UACUGGUACUUGAACACCU 181 40785 AD- 1708 GUGGUGUGGAGGGCACUAA 182 UUAGUGCCCUCCACACCAC 183 40744 AD- 1710 GGUGUGGAGGGCACUAAGU 184 ACUUAGUGCCCUCCACACC 185 40750 AD- 1711 GUGUGGAGGGCACUAAGUA 186 UACUUAGUGCCCUCCACAC 187 40756 AD- 1830 UGGCUGUGUCUGGUCCGUU 188 AACGGACCAGACACAGCCA 189 40762 AD- 1872 GGAUUUGGGGUUGAGGUGA 190 UCACCUCAACCCCAAAUCC 191 40768 AD- 1876 UUGGGGUUGAGGUGAGUCA 192 UGACUCACCUCAACCCCAA 193 40774 AD- 1917 GUUGGGGUGUGGGUGUCAU 194 AUGACACCCACACCCCAAC 195 40780 AD- 2038 AGGGUGCCAUGACGAGCAU 196 AUGCUCGUCAUGGCACCCU 197 40786 *Start is the 5′ most position on transcript NM_053208.4

TABLE 2D Mouse EGNL2 Chemically modified Single Strands and Duplex Sequences For all the sequences in the list, ‘endolight’ chemistry was applied as described above. SEQ SEQ Duplex Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Number Start* Sense NO. Antisense NO. AD-40891 128 AucAGucccuucucAAGcudTsdT 198 AGCUUGAGAAGGGACUGAUdTsdT 199 AD-40897 418 GuccuuGGAGucuAGccGAdTsdT 200 UCGGCuAGACUCcAAGGACdTsdT 201 AD-40903 545 GccAcuGcuAcuAcGAccAdTsdT 202 UGGUCGuAGuAGcAGUGGCdTsdT 203 AD-40909 934 GccuuGcAuGcGGuAcuAudTsdT 204 AuAGuACCGcAUGcAAGGCdTsdT 205 AD-40915 941 AuGcGGuAcuAuGGuAucudTsdT 206 AGAuACcAuAGuACCGcAUdTsdT 207 AD-40921 943 GcGGuAcuAuGGuAucuGudTsdT 208 AcAGAuACcAuAGuACCGCdTsdT 209 AD-40927 956 AucuGuGucAAGGAcAAcudTsdT 210 AGUUGUCCUUGAcAcAGAUdTsdT 211 AD-40933 1043 cGuGAuGGGcAAcuAGuGAdTsdT 212 UcACuAGUUGCCcAUcACGdTsdT 213 AD-40892 1107 ccuGGGuAGAAGGucAcGAdTsdT 214 UCGUGACCUUCuACCcAGGdTsdT 215 AD-40898 1158 cucAcGuGGAcGcAGuAAudTsdT 216 AUuACUGCGUCcACGUGAGdTsdT 217 AD-40904 1228 GGccAuGGuGGcGuGuuAudTsdT 218 AuAAcACGCcACcAUGGCCdTsdT 219 AD-40910 1235 GuGGcGuGuuAuccAGGcAdTsdT 220 UGCCUGGAuAAcACGCcACdTsdT 221 AD-40916 1253 AAuGGGcucGGGuAcGuGAdTsdT 222 UcACGuACCCGAGCCcAUUdTsdT 223 AD-40922 1261 cGGGuAcGuGAGGcAuGuudTsdT 224 AAcAUGCCUcACGuACCCGdTsdT 225 AD-40928 1263 GGuAcGuGAGGcAuGuuGAdTsdT 226 UcAAcAUGCCUcACGuACCdTsdT 227 AD-40934 1272 GGcAuGuuGAcAAuccccAdTsdT 228 UGGGGAUUGUcAAcAUGCCdTsdT 229 AD-40743 1305 GcAucAccuGuAucuAuuAdTsdT 230 uAAuAGAuAcAGGUGAUGCdTsdT 231 AD-40749 1329 AucAGAAcuGGGAuGuuAAdTsdT 232 UuAAcAUCCcAGUUCUGAUdTsdT 233 AD-40755 1335 AcuGGGAuGuuAAGGuGcAdTsdT 234 UGcACCUuAAcAUCCcAGUdTsdT 235 AD-40761 1399 cAAcAucGAGccAcucuuudTsdT 236 AAAGAGUGGCUCGAUGUUGdTsdT 237 AD-40767 1534 cAGAGAcAAGuAucAGcuAdTsdT 238 uAGCUGAuACUUGUCUCUGdTsdT 239 AD-40773 1537 AGAcAAGuAucAGcuAGcAdTsdT 240 UGCuAGCUGAuACUUGUCUdTsdT 241 AD-40779 1555 AucGGGAcAGAAAGGuGuudTsdT 242 AAcACCUUUCUGUCCCGAUdTsdT 234 AD-40785 1567 AGGuGuucAAGuAccAGuAdTsdT 244 uACUGGuACUUGAAcACCUdTsdT 245 AD-40744 1708 GuGGuGuGGAGGGcAcuAAdTsdT 246 UuAGUGCCCUCcAcACcACdTsdT 247 AD-40750 1710 GGuGuGGAGGGcAcuAAGudTsdT 248 ACUuAGUGCCCUCcAcACCdTsdT 249 AD-40756 1711 GuGuGGAGGGcAcuAAGuAdTsdT 250 uACUuAGUGCCCUCcAcACdTsdT 251 AD-40762 1830 uGGcuGuGucuGGuccGuudTsdT 252 AACGGACcAGAcAcAGCcAdTsdT 253 AD-40768 1872 GGAuuuGGGGuuGAGGuGAdTsdT 254 UcACCUcAACCCcAAAUCCdTsdT 255 AD-40774 1876 uuGGGGuuGAGGuGAGucAdTsdT 256 UGACUcACCUcAACCCcAAdTsdT 257 AD-40780 1917 GuuGGGGuGuGGGuGucAudTsdT 258 AUGAcACCcAcACCCcAACdTsdT 259 AD-40786 2038 AGGGuGccAuGAcGAGcAudTsdT 260 AUGCUCGUcAUGGcACCCUdTsdT 261

TABLE 2E Mouse EGNL3 Single Strands and Duplex Sequences SEQ SEQ Duplex Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Number Start* Sense NO. Antisense NO. AD- 634 CCGGCUGGGCAAAUACUAU 262 AUAGUAUUUGCCCAGCCGG 263 40745 AD- 775 GAAUUGGGACGCCAAGUUA 264 UAACUUGGCGUCCCAAUUC 265 40751 AD- 819 CGGAAGGGAAAUCGUUUGU 266 ACAAACGAUUUCCCUUCCG 267 40757 AD- 882 CAGACCGCAGGAAUCCACA 268 UGUGGAUUCCUGCGGUCUG 269 40763 AD- 922 CACCAGGUACGCUAUGACU 270 AGUCAUAGCGUACCUGGUG 271 40769 AD- 924 CCAGGUACGCUAUGACUGU 272 ACAGUCAUAGCGUACCUGG 273 40775 AD- 937 GACUGUCUGGUACUUCGAU 274 AUCGAAGUACCAGACAGUC 275 40781 AD- 1053 GGCCGCAUUCGUGUAGUAA 276 UUACUACACGAAUGCGGCC 277 40787 AD- 1055 CCGCAUUCGUGUAGUAACA 278 UGUUACUACACGAAUGCGG 279 40746 AD- 1058 CAUUCGUGUAGUAACAGUU 280 AACUGUUACUACACGAAUG 281 40752 AD- 1065 GUAGUAACAGUUCCGGAAA 282 UUUCCGGAACUGUUACUAC 283 40758 AD- 1068 GUAACAGUUCCGGAAAUGU 284 ACAUUUCCGGAACUGUUAC 285 40764 AD- 1265 CCAGCGGUUUAAAGAUAGA 286 UCUAUCUUUAAACCGCUGG 287 40770 AD- 1309 GGACUGCUUCUUAUUCGCA 288 UGCGAAUAAGAAGCAGUCC 289 40776 AD- 1312 CUGCUUCUUAUUCGCACUU 290 AAGUGCGAAUAAGAAGCAG 291 40782 AD- 1318 CUUAUUCGCACUUUAUGUA 292 UACAUAAAGUGCGAAUAAG 293 40788 AD- 1334 GUAUGCGUCCUGAUUUGAA 294 UUCAAAUCAGGACGCAUAC 295 40747 AD- 1358 GAGGUUCGCAAAGAAAUAA 296 UUAUUUCUUUGCGAACCUC 297 40753 AD- 1474 GACAGUGACGACGACCUAA 298 UUAGGUCGUCGUCACUGUC 299 40759 AD- 1480 GACGACGACCUAAUGACAU 300 AUGUCAUUAGGUCGUCGUC 301 40765 AD- 1482 CGACGACCUAAUGACAUUA 302 UAAUGUCAUUAGGUCGUCG 303 40771 AD- 1516 GCUGCUGCUUAGCAAUCGA 304 UCGAUUGCUAAGCAGCAGC 305 40777 AD- 1517 CUGCUGCUUAGCAAUCGAU 306 AUCGAUUGCUAAGCAGCAG 307 40783 AD- 1548 CACGGUGGAUGCUCCAUUU 308 AAAUGGAGCAUCCACCGUG 309 40789 AD- 1571 GGUUUACGACCCGUACUUU 310 AAAGUACGGGUCGUAAACC 311 40748 AD- 1815 CCCAACUUACAUGAUUCGU 312 ACGAAUCAUGUAAGUUGGG 313 40754 AD- 1929 GUUCAUCGUCCAUAACAAA 314 UUUGUUAUGGACGAUGAAC 315 40760 AD- 2034 CUCACUUGAGUCGUCUUGA 316 UCAAGACGACUCAAGUGAG 317 40766 AD- 2146 CCUCCCGAACUCUGUACGA 318 UCGUACAGAGUUCGGGAGG 319 40772 AD- 2157 CUGUACGAAACACCUAUUU 320 AAAUAGGUGUUUCGUACAG 321 40778 AD- 2162 CGAAACACCUAUUUUACGA 322 UCGUAAAAUAGGUGUUUCG 323 40784 AD- 2163 GAAACACCUAUUUUACGAA 324 UUCGUAAAAUAGGUGUUUC 325 40790 *Start is the 5′ most position on transcript NM_028133.2

TABLE 2F Mouse EGNL3 Chemically modified Single Strands and Duplex Sequences For all the sequences in the list, ‘endolight’ chemistry was applied as described above. SEQ SEQ Duplex Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Number Start* Sense NO. Antisense NO. AD-40745 634 ccGGcuGGGcAAAuAcuAudTsdT 326 AuAGuAUUUGCCcAGCCGGdTsdT 327 AD-40751 775 GAAuuGGGAcGccAAGuuAdTsdT 328 uAACUUGGCGUCCcAAUUCdTsdT 329 AD-40757 819 cGGAAGGGAAAucGuuuGudTsdT 330 AcAAACGAUUUCCCUUCCGdTsdT 331 AD-40763 882 cAGAccGcAGGAAuccAcAdTsdT 332 UGUGGAUUCCUGCGGUCUGdTsdT 333 AD-40769 922 cAccAGGuAcGcuAuGAcudTsdT 334 AGUcAuAGCGuACCUGGUGdTsdT 335 AD-40775 924 ccAGGuAcGcuAuGAcuGudTsdT 336 AcAGUcAuAGCGuACCUGGdTsdT 337 AD-40781 937 GAcuGucuGGuAcuucGAudTsdT 338 AUCGAAGuACcAGAcAGUCdTsdT 339 AD-40787 1053 GGccGcAuucGuGuAGuAAdTsdT 340 UuACuAcACGAAUGCGGCCdTsdT 341 AD-40746 1055 ccGcAuucGuGuAGuAAcAdTsdT 342 UGUuACuAcACGAAUGCGGdTsdT 343 AD-40752 1058 cAuucGuGuAGuAAcAGuudTsdT 344 AACUGUuACuAcACGAAUGdTsdT 345 AD-40758 1065 GuAGuAAcAGuuccGGAAAdTsdT 346 UUUCCGGAACUGUuACuACdTsdT 347 AD-40764 1068 GuAAcAGuuccGGAAAuGudTsdT 348 AcAUUUCCGGAACUGUuACdTsdT 349 AD-40770 1265 ccAGcGGuuuAAAGAuAGAdTsdT 350 UCuAUCUUuAAACCGCUGGdTsdT 351 AD-40776 1309 GGAcuGcuucuuAuucGcAdTsdT 352 UGCGAAuAAGAAGcAGUCCdTsdT 353 AD-40782 1312 cuGcuucuuAuucGcAcuudTsdT 354 AAGUGCGAAuAAGAAGcAGdTsdT 355 AD-40788 1318 cuuAuucGcAcuuuAuGuAdTsdT 356 uAcAuAAAGUGCGAAuAAGdTsdT 357 AD-40747 1334 GuAuGcGuccuGAuuuGAAdTsdT 358 UUcAAAUcAGGACGcAuACdTsdT 359 AD-40753 1358 GAGGuucGcAAAGAAAuAAdTsdT 360 UuAUUUCUUUGCGAACCUCdTsdT 361 AD-40759 1474 GAcAGuGAcGAcGAccuAAdTsdT 362 UuAGGUCGUCGUcACUGUCdTsdT 363 AD-40765 1480 GAcGAcGAccuAAuGAcAudTsdT 364 AUGUcAUuAGGUCGUCGUCdTsdT 365 AD-40771 1482 cGAcGAccuAAuGAcAuuAdTsdT 366 uAAUGUcAUuAGGUCGUCGdTsdT 367 AD-40777 1516 GcuGcuGcuuAGcAAucGAdTsdT 368 UCGAUUGCuAAGcAGcAGCdTsdT 369 AD-40783 1517 cuGcuGcuuAGcAAucGAudTsdT 370 AUCGAUUGCuAAGcAGcAGdTsdT 371 AD-40789 1548 cAcGGuGGAuGcuccAuuudTsdT 372 AAAUGGAGcAUCcACCGUGdTsdT 373 AD-40748 1571 GGuuuAcGAcccGuAcuuudTsdT 374 AAAGuACGGGUCGuAAACCdTsdT 375 AD-40754 1815 cccAAcuuAcAuGAuucGudTsdT 376 ACGAAUcAUGuAAGUUGGGdTsdT 377 AD-40760 1929 GuucAucGuccAuAAcAAAdTsdT 378 UUUGUuAUGGACGAUGAACdTsdT 379 AD-40766 2034 cucAcuuGAGucGucuuGAdTsdT 380 UcAAGACGACUcAAGUGAGdTsdT 381 AD-40772 2146 ccucccGAAcucuGuAcGAdTsdT 382 UCGuAcAGAGUUCGGGAGGdTsdT 383 AD-40778 2157 cuGuAcGAAAcAccuAuuudTsdT 384 AAAuAGGUGUUUCGuAcAGdTsdT 385 AD-40784 2162 cGAAAcAccuAuuuuAcGAdTsdT 386 UCGuAAAAuAGGUGUUUCGdTsdT 387 AD-40790 2163 GAAAcAccuAuuuuAcGAAdTsdT 388 UUCGuAAAAuAGGUGUUUCdTsdT 389 RNA Isolation, cDNA Synthesis and RT-PCR Methods Total RNA Isolation Using MagMAX-96 Total RNA Isolation Kit (Applied Biosystem, Forer City Calif., Part #: AM1830):

Cells were harvested and lysed in 140 μl of Lysis/Binding Solution then mixed for 1 minute at 850 rpm using and Eppendorf Thermomixer (the mixing speed was the same throughout the process). Twenty micro liters of magnetic beads and Lysis/Binding Enhancer mixture were added into cell-lysate and mixed for 5 minutes. Magnetic beads were captured using magnetic stand and the supernatant was removed without disturbing the beads. After removing supernatant, magnetic beads were washed with Wash Solution 1 (isopropanol added) and mixed for 1 minute. Beads were capture again and supernatant removed. Beads were then washed with 150 μl Wash Solution 2 (Ethanol added), captured and supernatant was removed. 50 μl of DNase mixture (MagMax turbo DNase Buffer and Turbo DNase) was then added to the beads and they were mixed for 10 to 15 minutes. After mixing, 100 μl of RNA Rebinding Solution was added and mixed for 3 minutes. Supernatant was removed and magnetic beads were washed again with 150 μl Wash Solution 2 and mixed for 1 minute and supernatant was removed completely. The magnetic beads were mixed for 2 minutes to dry before RNA was eluted with 50 μl of water.

cDNA Synthesis Using ABI High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif., Cat #4368813):

A master mix of 2 μl 10× Buffer, 0.8 μl 25X dNTPs, 2 μl Random primers, 1 μl Reverse Transcriptase, 1 μl RNase inhibitor and 3.2 μl of H2O per reaction were added into 10 μl total RNA. cDNA was generated using a Bio-Rad C-1000 or S-1000 thermal cycler (Hercules, Calif.) through the following steps: 25° C. 10 min, 37° C. 120 min, 85° C. 5 sec, 4° C. hold.

Real Time PCR:

2 μl of cDNA were added to a master mix containing 0.5 μl GAPDH TaqMan Probe (Applied Biosystems Cat # 4326317E), 0.5 μl CD274 (PD-L1) TaqMan probe (Applied Biosystems cat # Hs01125301_ml) and 5 μl Roche Probes Master Mix (Roche Cat # 04887301001) in a total of 10 μl per well in a LightCycler 480 384 well plate (Roche cat # 0472974001). Real time PCR was done in a LightCycler 480 Real Time PCR machine (Roche). Each duplex was tested in at least two independent transfections. Each transfection was assayed by qPCR in duplicate.

Real time data were analyzed using the ΔΔCt method. Each sample was normalized to GAPDH expression and knockdown was assessed relative to cells transfected with the non-targeting duplex AD-1955. IC50s were defined using a 4 parameter fit model in XLfit.

In Vitro Screening of EGLN1, EGLN2, EGLN3 siRNAs for mRNA Suppression

Mouse EGLN1 or EGLN2 or EGLN3 targeting dsRNAs (Tables 2A-F) were assayed for inhibition of endogenous EGLN1, 2, 3 expression in BNLC12 cells, using bDNA (branched DNA) assays to quantify EGLN1,2,3 mRNA. Results from single dose assays were used to select a subset of EGLN1, EGLN2 or EGLN3 dsRNA duplexes for 3 point dose response experiments to determine relative potency. The most potent siRNA for each target-EGLN1,2,3 was selected for further testing in vivo.

Cell Culture and Transfections:

The mouse liver cell line Bnlc12 (ATCC, Manassas, Va.) were grown to near confluence at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (ATCC) supplemented with 10% FBS, streptomycin, and glutamine (ATCC) before being released from the plate by trypsinization. Reverse transfection was carried out by adding 5 μl of Opti-MEM to 5 μl of siRNA duplexes per well into a 96-well plate along with 10 μl of Opti-MEM plus 0.2 μl of Lipofectamine RNAiMax per well (Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif. cat # 13778-150) and incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes. 80 μl of complete growth media without antibiotics containing 2×104 Bnlc12 cells were then added. Cells were incubated for 24 hours prior to preparation of cell lysates for branched DNA. Single dose experiments were performed at 1 nM final duplex concentration and dose response experiments were done with 1, 0.1, and 0.01 nM.

Branched DNA (bDNA) Assays-QuantiGene 2.0 (Panomics Cat #: QS0011): Used to Screen Duplexes

After a 24 hour incubation at the dose or doses stated, media was removed and cells were lysed in 100 ul Lysis buffer (Epicenter technologies and 10 μl of Proteinase-K/ml for a final concentration of 20 mg/ml) then incubated at 65° C. for 1 hour. 60 μl Working Probe Set (EGLN1, EGLN2 or EGLN3 probe for gene target and GAPDH for endogenous control) and 40 μl of cell-lysate were then added to the Capture Plates. Capture Plates were incubated at 55° C.±1° C. (approx. 16-20 hrs). The next day, the Capture Plates were washed 3 times with 1× Wash Buffer (nuclease-free water, Buffer Component 1 and Wash Buffer Component 2), then dried by centrifuging for 1 minute at 240 g. 100 μl of pre-Amplifier Working Reagent was added to the Capture Plates, which were sealed with aluminum foil and incubated for 1 hour at 55° C.±1° C. Following a 1 hour incubation, the wash step was repeated, then 100 μl Amplifier Working Reagent was added. After 1 hour, the wash and dry steps were repeated, and 100 μl Label Probe was added. Capture plates were incubated 50° C.±1° C. for 1 hour. The plates were then washed with 1× Wash Buffer and dried, and then 100 μl Substrate was added to the Capture Plates. Capture Plates were read using the SpectraMax Luminometer (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) following 5 to 15 minutes incubation. bDNA data were analyzed by (i) subtracting the average background (no lysate control) from each triplicate sample, (ii) averaging the resultant triplicate GAPDH (control probe) and EGLN1 or EGLN2 or EGLN3 (experimental probe) values, and then (iii) taking the ratio: (experimental probe-background)/(control probe-background).

Results

A summary of the single dose and 3 point dose response curve results for EGLN1, EGLN2, ELGN3-dsRNAs (siRNAs) are presented below in FIGS. 1 and 2. Single dose results are expressed as a ratio of EGLN1, or EGLN2, or EGLN3 to GAPDH mRNA in relative light units. The 3 point dose response data is expressed as % EGLN1, EGLN2 or EGLN3 mRNA relative to control untreated, assayed in BnlC12 cells.

Example 3 In Vivo Knock Down of EGLN Genes

In order to determine whether the iRNA agents to the EGLN genes were specific, knockdown studies were performed using the iRNA agents set out in Table 3.

One siRNA targeting each gene EGLN1 (AD-40894), EGLN2 (AD-40773) and EGLN3 (AD-40758) as well as a mix of all three siRNAs (AD-40894/AD-40773/AD-40758) were formulated in LNP11 (MC3) formulations to test the ability to knockdown their respective mRNAs in the liver. The experimental outline is below in Table 3 and includes control PBS group as well as a control group with an LNP11 formulation containing the Luciferase siRNA AD-1955. The individual formulations were dosed intravenously at 0.3 mg/kg into female C57B6 mice whereas the combination mix formulation was dosed at 1 mg/kg.

At 72 hours after dosing the animals were sacrificed. Plasma samples were taken and livers were removed, flash frozen then ground into powder. Small amounts (˜20 mg) of liver powder was disrupted in lysis buffer for mRNA analysis by branched DNA-QuantiGene 2.0 (Panomics cat #: QS0011). The same bDNA assay and probes used for the screening work was used. The data is expressed as percent of PBS control ratios of target (EGLN1, 2, 3) mRNA relative to GAPDH mRNA. The results are shown in FIG. 3.

It can be seen from FIG. 3 that the iRNA agents for each EGLN gene are specific to that variant. It is also evident that the mix or cocktail containing all three iRNA was effective in reducing the mRNA level of each EGLN gene.

TABLE 3 In vivo knockdown of EGLN genes Sample Dose In vitro Group siRNA Formulation Size (n) (mg/kg) IC50 PBS — 4 Luciferase AD-1955 LNP11 5 0.3 (control) EGLN1 AD-40894 LNP11 5 0.3 <10 pM EGLN2 AD-40773 LNP11 5 0.3 ~50 pM EGLN3 AD-40758 LNP11 5 0.3 ~10 pM EGLN1, 2, 3 AD-40894 LNP11 5 1 mix (25%) AD-40773 (50%) AD-40758 (25%)

Example 4 In Vivo Induction of Hepatic Erythropoietin (EPO)

In order to determine if knockdown of the three EGLN (HIF prolyl hydroxylases) genes simultaneously in the liver will induce downstream hepatic Epo (Erythropoetin) production, mice were injected IV with iRNA agents directed to each EGLN gene at 0.3 mg/kg or with a mix of all three EGLN iRNA agents (1 mg/kg) as described in Table 3 above. All iRNA agents were delivered in formulation LNP11. At 72 hours, the animals were sacrificed and livers taken for bDNA analysis. Serum was also taken for erythropoietin (EPO) measurements by ELISA kit (R&D Systems) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The results are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Only the serum samples for the PBS, Luciferase (AD-1955) and LNP11-AD-40894/AD-40773/AD-40758 (EGLN1,2,3 mix) formulation were measured for EPO. The data indicate that only serum from animals treated with the LNP11-AD-40894/AD-40773/AD-40758 treated animals showed an increase in EPO levels which was not seen in serum from animals treated with PBS or control Luciferase. Therefore, siRNA formulations that knockdown of all three EGLNs 1, 2, 3 simultaneously in liver can induce an increase in hepatic EPO production measured in serum.

Example 5 In Vivo Dose Response of EGLN in Liver

In order to evaluate the efficacy of the iRNA agents directed to EGLN genes, dose response studies were conducted for the individual EGLNs in liver. For these studies, mice (3 animals per group) were injected IV with formulations at doses outlined in Table 4. A mix of EGLN1 and EGLN3 formulations were tested to confirm if co-injection of individual LNP11 formulations with siRNA against single targets worked as well as injection of a single formulation with siRNAs against all 3 EGLN targets. At 72 hours, the animals were sacrificed and livers taken for bDNA and serum taken for Epo measurements by ELISA. The results are shown in FIG. 5.

Results

It was found that all three formulations LNP11-40894, LNP11-40773, and LNP11-40758 dose dependently knocked down the respective mRNA levels of EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 after IV administration into C57B6 mice. The relative IC50 values in vivo were less than 0.033 for LNP11-40894 targeting EGLN1, less than 0.033 for LNP11-40773 targeting of EGLN2 and approximately 0.05 for LNP11-40758. Furthermore, it was possible to detect knockdown of EGLN1 and EGLN3 mRNAs by injection of LNP11-40894 and LNP11-40758, suggesting that the siRNAs don't have to be inside the same liposome together to silence both targets simultaneously.

TABLE 4 In vivo knockdown of EGLN genes Sample Dose In vitro Group siRNA Formulation Size (n) (mg/kg) IC50 PBS — 3 Luciferase AD-1955 LNP11 3 1 EGLN1 AD-40894 LNP11 3 (12 1 <10 pM total) 0.33 0.1 0.033 EGLN2 AD-40773 LNP11 3 (12 1 ~50 pM total) 0.33 0.1 0.033 EGLN3 AD-40758 LNP11 3 (12 1 ~10 pM total) 0.33 0.1 0.033 EGLN1, 3 AD-40894 LNP11 3 0.67/ mix (67%) 0.33 AD-40758 (33%)

Example 6 In Vivo Production of Erythropoietin and Hematology

In order to determine whether administration of an EGLN iRNA cocktail was capable of increasing erythropoietin expression in vivo, a study was designed according to Table 5. Female C57B6 mice were dosed IV with PBS or LNP11-1955 luciferase controls or two different mixes of EGLN siRNA formulations at two different doses 1.5 or 1.33 mg/kg respectively. On day 5 after the first dose plasma samples were taken from each animal for hematology measurements. On day 7, a second dose of the same amount of a mix of LNP11 formulations or controls was given. Then on day 10 a second set of plasma samples were taken, animals were sacrificed and livers were harvested for measurement of EGLN1, EGLN2, EGLN3 and EPO mRNA measurements again by branched DNA analysis. At 72 hours, after the 1^(st) dose blood was drawn for hematology measurements including a count of reticulocytes, red blood cells, hemoglobin measurements and hematocrit levels. At 72 hours after the 2^(nd) dose animals were sacrificed and livers taken for bDNA analysis. The Week 1 data are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 while Week 2 data are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

TABLE 5 In vivo knockdown of EGLN genes Sample Dose Group siRNA Formulation size (n) (mg/kg) PBS —  5 Luciferase AD-1955 LNP11  5 1 EGLN1, 2, 3 AD-40894 (.375 mpk) LNP11 15 1.5 mix 1 AD-40773 (.75 mpk) AD-40758 (.375 mpk) EGLN1, 2, 3 AD-40894 (.25 mpk) LNP11 10 1.33 mix 2 AD-40773 (.5 mpk) AD-40758 (.58 mpk)

It can be seen from FIGS. 6-9 that in both Weeks 1 and 2 that both mix 1 and mix 2 result in observable changes. It was found that by day 5 after the first dose a large increase in reticulocyte levels and a small increase in hematocrit readouts could be detected. By day 10, now after 2 injections of the mix of LNP11 formulations with EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 siRNAs, a considerable increase in reticulocytes versus control was observed with an even larger increase in hematocrit, RBC count and hemoglobin levels in the plasma. Collectively, knockdown of EGLN1,2,3 led to an increase in liver EPO mRNA and stimulated erythropiesis.

Furthermore, it was found that injection of the mix of 3 LNPs targeting each EGLN gene resulted in knockdown of all three EGLN targets EGLN1, ELGN2, and EGLN3 while simultaneously leading to an increase of EPO mRNA after 2 doses at day 10. The data are shown in FIG. 10. The luciferase siRNA and PBS treated animals had EPO mRNA levels at essentially background levels in the liver whereas in the EGLN siRNA mix treated group there was strong EPO mRNA expression. EGLN1, EGLN2, EGLN3, and EPO mRNA levels were normalized to housekeeping GAPDH control and data is expressed as a percentage of the PBS control expression.

From these data, it may be concluded that simultaneous knockdown of all three EGLN genes in the liver is possible with each siRNA in their own LNP formulations, then mixing them prior to injection. The knockdown of the 3 EGLN genes lead to a very dramatic increased expression of EPO mRNA as compared to the PBS control or Luciferase siRNA treated groups where liver EPO mRNA was undetectable and at background levels of the assay. Furthermore, it was found that by turning on EPO mRNA expression in the liver by knocking down the 3 EGLN genes a dramatic increase in erythropoiesis occurs. This could be measured in the blood from dosed animals where a dramatic increase in reticulocytes or (immature red blood cells) was observed even after the first dose of EGLN1,2,3 siRNA mix treatment. After the second dose it was evident that a significant increase in not only reticulocytes but also RBC count, hemoglobin and Hematocrit measurements was occurring.

Example 7 Design of siRNA Targeting Human EGLN Genes

Oligonucleotide design was carried out to identify siRNAs targeting the genes encoding the human (Homo sapiens) EGLN 1, 2 and 3 genes. The design process used the EGLN transcript NM_(—)022051.2 for EGLN1 (SEQ ID NO: 390), NM_(—)053046.2 for EGLN2 (SEQ ID NO: 391), and NM_(—)022073.3 for EGLN3 (SEQ ID NO: 392). All sequences were obtained from the NCBI Refseq collection. Start refers to the 5′ most position on the target.

It should be understood that while the sequences disclosed in Tables 6A-C are represented as 19mer oligonucleotides, the duplexes formed from such oligonucleotides may be 19mer blunt ended constructs or may be modified by the addition of one or more nucleotides on the 3′ end of the strands, preferably a dTdT modification to produce 21mer duplexes having 2 nucleotide 3′ overhangs.

TABLE 6A Human EGNL1 Single Strands and Duplex Sequences SEQ SEQ ID ID Start Sense Sequence (5′ to 3′) NO. Antisense Sequence (5′ to 3′) NO. 40 AGAGACACAAGGCUUUGUU 393 AACAAAGCCUUGUGUCUCU 394 55 UGUUUGCCCCAGAGUAUUA 395 UAAUACUCUGGGGCAAACA 396 59 UGCCCCAGAGUAUUAGUUA 397 UAACUAAUACUCUGGGGCA 398 60 GCCCCAGAGUAUUAGUUAA 399 UUAACUAAUACUCUGGGGC 400 64 CAGAGUAUUAGUUAACCCA 401 UGGGUUAACUAAUACUCUG 402 70 AUUAGUUAACCCACCUAGU 403 ACUAGGUGGGUUAACUAAU 404 73 AGUUAACCCACCUAGUGCU 405 AGCACUAGGUGGGUUAACU 406 77 AACCCACCUAGUGCUCCUA 407 UAGGAGCACUAGGUGGGUU 408 79 CCCACCUAGUGCUCCUAAU 409 AUUAGGAGCACUAGGUGGG 410 86 AGUGCUCCUAAUCAUACAA 411 UUGUAUGAUUAGGAGCACU 412 132 GCCUCACUCUCUAUUUGUU 413 AACAAAUAGAGAGUGAGGC 414 153 ACCUUCUGUAAAAUUGGUA 415 UACCAAUUUUACAGAAGGU 416 168 GGUAGAAUAAUAGUACCCA 417 UGGGUACUAUUAUUCUACC 418 170 UAGAAUAAUAGUACCCACU 419 AGUGGGUACUAUUAUUCUA 420 171 AGAAUAAUAGUACCCACUU 421 AAGUGGGUACUAUUAUUCU 422 179 AGUACCCACUUCAUAGCAU 423 AUGCUAUGAAGUGGGUACU 424 201 AUGAUGAUUAAAUUGGUUA 425 UAACCAAUUUAAUCAUCAU 426 235 UUAGAACACAGAUUGGGCA 427 UGCCCAAUCUGUGUUCUAA 428 245 GAUUGGGCACAUAACAGCA 429 UGCUGUUAUGUGCCCAAUC 430 249 GGGCACAUAACAGCAAGCA 431 UGCUUGCUGUUAUGUGCCC 432 255 AUAACAGCAAGCACCACAU 433 AUGUGGUGCUUGCUGUUAU 434 287 AAAUUCCUUUGUGUUGCCU 435 AGGCAACACAAAGGAAUUU 436 292 CCUUUGUGUUGCCUUCCGU 437 ACGGAAGGCAACACAAAGG 438 293 CUUUGUGUUGCCUUCCGUU 439 AACGGAAGGCAACACAAAG 440 295 UUGUGUUGCCUUCCGUUAA 441 UUAACGGAAGGCAACACAA 442 296 UGUGUUGCCUUCCGUUAAA 443 UUUAACGGAAGGCAACACA 444 298 UGUUGCCUUCCGUUAAAGU 445 ACUUUAACGGAAGGCAACA 446 299 GUUGCCUUCCGUUAAAGUU 447 AACUUUAACGGAAGGCAAC 448 336 AAUAAAUACUUGCAUGACA 449 UGUCAUGCAAGUAUUUAUU 450 360 AAGUCUCUCUAUAACAUCU 451 AGAUGUUAUAGAGAGACUU 452 368 CUAUAACAUCUGAGUAAGU 453 ACUUACUCAGAUGUUAUAG 454 375 AUCUGAGUAAGUGGCGGCU 455 AGCCGCCACUUACUCAGAU 456 389 CGGCUGCGACAAUGCUACU 457 AGUAGCAUUGUCGCAGCCG 458 394 GCGACAAUGCUACUGGAGU 459 ACUCCAGUAGCAUUGUCGC 460 395 CGACAAUGCUACUGGAGUU 461 AACUCCAGUAGCAUUGUCG 462 411 GUUCCAGAAUCGUGUUGGU 463 ACCAACACGAUUCUGGAAC 464 428 GUGACAAGAUUGUUCACCA 465 UGGUGAACAAUCUUGUCAC 466 434 AGAUUGUUCACCAGCAUAU 467 AUAUGCUGGUGAACAAUCU 468 439 GUUCACCAGCAUAUGGUGU 469 ACACCAUAUGCUGGUGAAC 470 444 CCAGCAUAUGGUGUGGUGA 471 UCACCACACCAUAUGCUGG 472 453 GGUGUGGUGAAAACUCACU 473 AGUGAGUUUUCACCACACC 474 455 UGUGGUGAAAACUCACUAA 475 UUAGUGAGUUUUCACCACA 476 457 UGGUGAAAACUCACUAAUU 477 AAUUAGUGAGUUUUCACCA 478 458 GGUGAAAACUCACUAAUUU 479 AAAUUAGUGAGUUUUCACC 480 488 AGAUUAUUAAGCCUGAAUA 481 UAUUCAGGCUUAAUAAUCU 482 491 UUAUUAAGCCUGAAUAGGU 483 ACCUAUUCAGGCUUAAUAA 484 493 AUUAAGCCUGAAUAGGUGA 485 UCACCUAUUCAGGCUUAAU 486 494 UUAAGCCUGAAUAGGUGAA 487 UUCACCUAUUCAGGCUUAA 488 495 UAAGCCUGAAUAGGUGAAA 489 UUUCACCUAUUCAGGCUUA 490 519 GAAAUCAAGGAUCUUUGGA 491 UCCAAAGAUCCUUGAUUUC 492 579 UUAAAGUGUUGCAAGUGUU 493 AACACUUGCAACACUUUAA 494 597 UCUAUUUGAUGGAUUAAGU 495 ACUUAAUCCAUCAAAUAGA 496 598 CUAUUUGAUGGAUUAAGUA 497 UACUUAAUCCAUCAAAUAG 498 599 UAUUUGAUGGAUUAAGUAU 499 AUACUUAAUCCAUCAAAUA 500 600 AUUUGAUGGAUUAAGUAUA 501 UAUACUUAAUCCAUCAAAU 502 601 UUUGAUGGAUUAAGUAUAU 503 AUAUACUUAAUCCAUCAAA 504 610 UUAAGUAUAUUUAGGAUAU 505 AUAUCCUAAAUAUACUUAA 506 611 UAAGUAUAUUUAGGAUAUA 507 UAUAUCCUAAAUAUACUUA 508 687 UGAUAUGGACAUCUAUUCU 509 AGAAUAGAUGUCCAUAUCA 510 688 GAUAUGGACAUCUAUUCUU 511 AAGAAUAGAUGUCCAUAUC 512 706 UUUAAGUAAACUUCAAUGA 513 UCAUUGAAGUUUACUUAAA 514 721 AUGAAAAUAUAUGAGUAGA 515 UCUACUCAUAUAUUUUCAU 516 724 AAAAUAUAUGAGUAGAGCA 517 UGCUCUACUCAUAUAUUUU 518 725 AAAUAUAUGAGUAGAGCAU 519 AUGCUCUACUCAUAUAUUU 520 726 AAUAUAUGAGUAGAGCAUA 521 UAUGCUCUACUCAUAUAUU 522 727 AUAUAUGAGUAGAGCAUAU 523 AUAUGCUCUACUCAUAUAU 524 728 UAUAUGAGUAGAGCAUAUA 525 UAUAUGCUCUACUCAUAUA 526 730 UAUGAGUAGAGCAUAUAGA 527 UCUAUAUGCUCUACUCAUA 528 771 ACCACAGACUGAAAUAGCA 529 UGCUAUUUCAGUCUGUGGU 530 827 GGAAUGAGUCCUCCUAGUA 531 UACUAGGAGGACUCAUUCC 532 828 GAAUGAGUCCUCCUAGUAA 533 UUACUAGGAGGACUCAUUC 534 829 AAUGAGUCCUCCUAGUAAA 535 UUUACUAGGAGGACUCAUU 536 832 GAGUCCUCCUAGUAAAGUU 537 AACUUUACUAGGAGGACUC 538 849 UUCCUGCUCUUGUGAAUAA 539 UUAUUCACAAGAGCAGGAA 540 859 UGUGAAUAAUUAAGCCUCA 541 UGAGGCUUAAUUAUUCACA 542 868 UUAAGCCUCAUGUAUAAUU 543 AAUUAUACAUGAGGCUUAA 544 872 GCCUCAUGUAUAAUUACUA 545 UAGUAAUUAUACAUGAGGC 546 901 AAGCCUAAGAAGUAUUAGA 547 UCUAAUACUUCUUAGGCUU 548 903 GCCUAAGAAGUAUUAGACU 549 AGUCUAAUACUUCUUAGGC 550 973 UUAAAUGCUUAUUUUCGUA 551 UACGAAAAUAAGCAUUUAA 552 978 UGCUUAUUUUCGUAAGCCA 553 UGGCUUACGAAAAUAAGCA 554 984 UUUUCGUAAGCCAUGAGAU 555 AUCUCAUGGCUUACGAAAA 556 996 AUGAGAUAGCUCCUUUAUA 557 UAUAAAGGAGCUAUCUCAU 558 1042 UGGAUUUUAUUAGUGCAAA 559 UUUGCACUAAUAAAAUCCA 560 1062 GGCAGAGCUAGCAAUUCCU 561 AGGAAUUGCUAGCUCUGCC 562 1105 AUUCAUCCCUCUUUUAGGA 563 UCCUAAAAGAGGGAUGAAU 564 1159 UGCCUCCUGCAUUGGACUA 565 UAGUCCAAUGCAGGAGGCA 566 1160 GCCUCCUGCAUUGGACUAU 567 AUAGUCCAAUGCAGGAGGC 568 1162 CUCCUGCAUUGGACUAUGU 569 ACAUAGUCCAAUGCAGGAG 570 1179 GUGUCUCUGAGUGUAGUAU 571 AUACUACACUCAGAGACAC 572 1185 CUGAGUGUAGUAUGACUAA 573 UUAGUCAUACUACACUCAG 574 1186 UGAGUGUAGUAUGACUAAU 575 AUUAGUCAUACUACACUCA 576 1187 GAGUGUAGUAUGACUAAUU 577 AAUUAGUCAUACUACACUC 578 1189 GUGUAGUAUGACUAAUUCA 579 UGAAUUAGUCAUACUACAC 580 1211 GUUUGUCAAGGACUCUCAA 581 UUGAGAGUCCUUGACAAAC 582 1216 UCAAGGACUCUCAAUGCAU 583 AUGCAUUGAGAGUCCUUGA 584 1221 GACUCUCAAUGCAUUUGUU 585 AACAAAUGCAUUGAGAGUC 586 1233 AUUUGUUGAACAGCCUAAU 587 AUUAGGCUGUUCAACAAAU 588 1237 GUUGAACAGCCUAAUUAGU 589 ACUAAUUAGGCUGUUCAAC 590 1238 UUGAACAGCCUAAUUAGUA 591 UACUAAUUAGGCUGUUCAA 592 1242 ACAGCCUAAUUAGUAAUGU 593 ACAUUACUAAUUAGGCUGU 594 1244 AGCCUAAUUAGUAAUGUCU 595 AGACAUUACUAAUUAGGCU 596 1254 GUAAUGUCUGCAACAAUGA 597 UCAUUGUUGCAGACAUUAC 598 1285 UUUAAUAAAGCUCUGGGAA 599 UUCCCAGAGCUUUAUUAAA 600 1286 UUAAUAAAGCUCUGGGAAA 601 UUUCCCAGAGCUUUAUUAA 602 1293 AGCUCUGGGAAAGUAGGAU 603 AUCCUACUUUCCCAGAGCU 604 1296 UCUGGGAAAGUAGGAUACA 605 UGUAUCCUACUUUCCCAGA 606 1303 AAGUAGGAUACACAUAAGA 607 UCUUAUGUGUAUCCUACUU 608 1308 GGAUACACAUAAGACAGGU 609 ACCUGUCUUAUGUGUAUCC 610 1314 ACAUAAGACAGGUCUAGGU 611 ACCUAGACCUGUCUUAUGU 612 1319 AGACAGGUCUAGGUCUAAA 613 UUUAGACCUAGACCUGUCU 614 1320 GACAGGUCUAGGUCUAAAU 615 AUUUAGACCUAGACCUGUC 616 1323 AGGUCUAGGUCUAAAUUCU 617 AGAAUUUAGACCUAGACCU 618 1324 GGUCUAGGUCUAAAUUCUU 619 AAGAAUUUAGACCUAGACC 620 1328 UAGGUCUAAAUUCUUUACA 621 UGUAAAGAAUUUAGACCUA 622 1338 UUCUUUACAGAAACUUGGA 623 UCCAAGUUUCUGUAAAGAA 624 1403 GUUUCCCAAAGGACAAGCU 625 AGCUUGUCCUUUGGGAAAC 626 1434 CAUCCUCUUUCACUUGAUU 627 AAUCAAGUGAAAGAGGAUG 628 1470 UUUACGCAUGCAGCAGGAU 629 AUCCUGCUGCAUGCGUAAA 630 1471 UUACGCAUGCAGCAGGAUU 631 AAUCCUGCUGCAUGCGUAA 632 1482 GCAGGAUUUUAUAACAGUU 633 AACUGUUAUAAAAUCCUGC 634 1572 UGGUUUACAAUAAUUCCUU 635 AAGGAAUUAUUGUAAACCA 636 1606 AAUACAUAUUACAACUUUU 637 AAAAGUUGUAAUAUGUAUU 638 1625 UAAGUUUGGAAGGCUAUAU 639 AUAUAGCCUUCCAAACUUA 640 1626 AAGUUUGGAAGGCUAUAUU 641 AAUAUAGCCUUCCAAACUU 642 1629 UUUGGAAGGCUAUAUUUCA 643 UGAAAUAUAGCCUUCCAAA 644 1651 ACUGAAGUUACAGUAUACU 645 AGUAUACUGUAACUUCAGU 646 1653 UGAAGUUACAGUAUACUCA 647 UGAGUAUACUGUAACUUCA 648 1654 GAAGUUACAGUAUACUCAA 649 UUGAGUAUACUGUAACUUC 650 1665 AUACUCAAGUGAUACACAA 651 UUGUGUAUCACUUGAGUAU 652 1673 GUGAUACACAAGCCUAGCA 653 UGCUAGGCUUGUGUAUCAC 654 1678 ACACAAGCCUAGCACCCCA 655 UGGGGUGCUAGGCUUGUGU 656 1693 CCCACUUUCCACAUAGUGU 657 ACACUAUGUGGAAAGUGGG 658 1697 CUUUCCACAUAGUGUUCGA 659 UCGAACACUAUGUGGAAAG 660 1698 UUUCCACAUAGUGUUCGAU 661 AUCGAACACUAUGUGGAAA 662 1699 UUCCACAUAGUGUUCGAUA 663 UAUCGAACACUAUGUGGAA 664 1700 UCCACAUAGUGUUCGAUAA 665 UUAUCGAACACUAUGUGGA 666 1701 CCACAUAGUGUUCGAUAAA 667 UUUAUCGAACACUAUGUGG 668 1705 AUAGUGUUCGAUAAAGAUU 669 AAUCUUUAUCGAACACUAU 670 1709 UGUUCGAUAAAGAUUGAUA 671 UAUCAAUCUUUAUCGAACA 672 1711 UUCGAUAAAGAUUGAUAAA 673 UUUAUCAAUCUUUAUCGAA 674 1721 AUUGAUAAACUCGAAAUCA 675 UGAUUUCGAGUUUAUCAAU 676 1723 UGAUAAACUCGAAAUCACA 677 UGUGAUUUCGAGUUUAUCA 678 1725 AUAAACUCGAAAUCACAGA 679 UCUGUGAUUUCGAGUUUAU 680 1729 ACUCGAAAUCACAGACCUU 681 AAGGUCUGUGAUUUCGAGU 682 1740 CAGACCUUUUAAUUCUUAA 683 UUAAGAAUUAAAAGGUCUG 684 1788 GGCUUAUUUCUGGUAAGGU 685 ACCUUACCAGAAAUAAGCC 686 1790 CUUAUUUCUGGUAAGGUUU 687 AAACCUUACCAGAAAUAAG 688 1829 AAUUGUAUUCAUCCGCGCA 689 UGCGCGGAUGAAUACAAUU 690 1832 UGUAUUCAUCCGCGCAGCA 691 UGCUGCGCGGAUGAAUACA 692 1834 UAUUCAUCCGCGCAGCACA 693 UGUGCUGCGCGGAUGAAUA 694 1864 AAAUAAAUGUGAGAGUCGU 695 ACGACUCUCACAUUUAUUU 696 1866 AUAAAUGUGAGAGUCGUUA 697 UAACGACUCUCACAUUUAU 698 1867 UAAAUGUGAGAGUCGUUAA 699 UUAACGACUCUCACAUUUA 700 1870 AUGUGAGAGUCGUUAAUGU 701 ACAUUAACGACUCUCACAU 702 1873 UGAGAGUCGUUAAUGUAGU 703 ACUACAUUAACGACUCUCA 704 1874 GAGAGUCGUUAAUGUAGUA 705 UACUACAUUAACGACUCUC 706 1876 GAGUCGUUAAUGUAGUACU 707 AGUACUACAUUAACGACUC 708 1884 AAUGUAGUACUGCUCAUUU 709 AAAUGAGCAGUACUACAUU 710 1917 CUUUUCAGGAAUAAUCCCA 711 UGGGAUUAUUCCUGAAAAG 712 1963 CAUUGAUUACAUUUAACUU 713 AAGUUAAAUGUAAUCAAUG 714 1966 UGAUUACAUUUAACUUGGU 715 ACCAAGUUAAAUGUAAUCA 716 1972 CAUUUAACUUGGUAGCCCA 717 UGGGCUACCAAGUUAAAUG 718 1974 UUUAACUUGGUAGCCCAAA 719 UUUGGGCUACCAAGUUAAA 720 1978 ACUUGGUAGCCCAAAAUUU 721 AAAUUUUGGGCUACCAAGU 722 1981 UGGUAGCCCAAAAUUUCUU 723 AAGAAAUUUUGGGCUACCA 724 1990 AAAAUUUCUUCAUGGGGUU 725 AACCCCAUGAAGAAAUUUU 726 2005 GGUUUUGAACUCGGCGGGA 727 UCCCGCCGAGUUCAAAACC 728 2006 GUUUUGAACUCGGCGGGAU 729 AUCCCGCCGAGUUCAAAAC 730 2007 UUUUGAACUCGGCGGGAUU 731 AAUCCCGCCGAGUUCAAAA 732 2008 UUUGAACUCGGCGGGAUUU 733 AAAUCCCGCCGAGUUCAAA 734 2012 AACUCGGCGGGAUUUCAAA 735 UUUGAAAUCCCGCCGAGUU 736 2079 UACCUUUAAACUAGGUCGA 737 UCGACCUAGUUUAAAGGUA 738 2081 CCUUUAAACUAGGUCGAAA 739 UUUCGACCUAGUUUAAAGG 740 2090 UAGGUCGAAACGGGGCGCA 741 UGCGCCCCGUUUCGACCUA 742 2091 AGGUCGAAACGGGGCGCAA 743 UUGCGCCCCGUUUCGACCU 744 2093 GUCGAAACGGGGCGCAAGA 745 UCUUGCGCCCCGUUUCGAC 746 2097 AAACGGGGCGCAAGAGAUU 747 AAUCUCUUGCGCCCCGUUU 748 2102 GGGCGCAAGAGAUUGGAUU 749 AAUCCAAUCUCUUGCGCCC 750 2103 GGCGCAAGAGAUUGGAUUA 751 UAAUCCAAUCUCUUGCGCC 752 2104 GCGCAAGAGAUUGGAUUAA 753 UUAAUCCAAUCUCUUGCGC 754 2106 GCAAGAGAUUGGAUUAACA 755 UGUUAAUCCAAUCUCUUGC 756 2109 AGAGAUUGGAUUAACACCA 757 UGGUGUUAAUCCAAUCUCU 758 2113 AUUGGAUUAACACCAUAGU 759 ACUAUGGUGUUAAUCCAAU 760 2122 ACACCAUAGUAAUACUUAU 761 AUAAGUAUUACUAUGGUGU 762 2123 CACCAUAGUAAUACUUAUU 763 AAUAAGUAUUACUAUGGUG 764 2130 GUAAUACUUAUUUUGUUCU 765 AGAACAAAAUAAGUAUUAC 766 2158 CAGGGCUUCUUGAAAUAGA 767 UCUAUUUCAAGAAGCCCUG 768 2171 AAUAGAGGCUGUAUGGUGU 769 ACACCAUACAGCCUCUAUU 770 2172 AUAGAGGCUGUAUGGUGUA 771 UACACCAUACAGCCUCUAU 772 2179 CUGUAUGGUGUAAUGGAAA 773 UUUCCAUUACACCAUACAG 774 2233 UUCAGUCCCAGUUUUGCGU 775 ACGCAAAACUGGGACUGAA 776 2235 CAGUCCCAGUUUUGCGUGA 777 UCACGCAAAACUGGGACUG 778 2239 CCCAGUUUUGCGUGACCUU 779 AAGGUCACGCAAAACUGGG 780 2298 CUGCAAAAUGAGGAUCGCA 781 UGCGAUCCUCAUUUUGCAG 782 2305 AUGAGGAUCGCAAUAGCCA 783 UGGCUAUUGCGAUCCUCAU 784 2308 AGGAUCGCAAUAGCCACCU 785 AGGUGGCUAUUGCGAUCCU 786 2309 GGAUCGCAAUAGCCACCUU 787 AAGGUGGCUAUUGCGAUCC 788 2316 AAUAGCCACCUUGCAACCU 789 AGGUUGCAAGGUGGCUAUU 790 2321 CCACCUUGCAACCUUGACU 791 AGUCAAGGUUGCAAGGUGG 792 2328 GCAACCUUGACUGGAGCGA 793 UCGCUCCAGUCAAGGUUGC 794 2338 CUGGAGCGAGCCUCGCACA 795 UGUGCGAGGCUCGCUCCAG 796 2382 AGCCAUGAUUACGCCGCCU 797 AGGCGGCGUAAUCAUGGCU 798 2383 GCCAUGAUUACGCCGCCUU 799 AAGGCGGCGUAAUCAUGGC 800 2435 UCCAGCAGGUGUAGGCGCU 801 AGCGCCUACACCUGCUGGA 802 2573 AGGGAAAGCGGGCGACCCA 803 UGGGUCGCCCGCUUUCCCU 804 2576 GAAAGCGGGCGACCCACCU 805 AGGUGGGUCGCCCGCUUUC 806 2761 GAGCGAGUGGCGCCCGUAU 807 AUACGGGCGCCACUCGCUC 808 2766 AGUGGCGCCCGUAUGCCCU 809 AGGGCAUACGGGCGCCACU 810 2885 CAGGUUGCCAUUCGCCGCA 811 UGCGGCGAAUGGCAACCUG 812 2887 GGUUGCCAUUCGCCGCACA 813 UGUGCGGCGAAUGGCAACC 814 2895 UUCGCCGCACAGGCCCUAU 815 AUAGGGCCUGUGCGGCGAA 816 2896 UCGCCGCACAGGCCCUAUU 817 AAUAGGGCCUGUGCGGCGA 818 3033 GCGGGUGCAUGGCGCAGUA 819 UACUGCGCCAUGCACCCGC 820 3034 CGGGUGCAUGGCGCAGUAA 821 UUACUGCGCCAUGCACCCG 822 3042 UGGCGCAGUAACGGCCCCU 823 AGGGGCCGUUACUGCGCCA 824 3043 GGCGCAGUAACGGCCCCUA 825 UAGGGGCCGUUACUGCGCC 826 3473 ACGCGGCCAAGGGAAAAGU 827 ACUUUUCCCUUGGCCGCGU 828 3608 CCCGCUCAUCGCUGUUCCA 829 UGGAACAGCGAUGAGCGGG 830 3626 AGGAGAAGGCGAACCUGUA 831 UACAGGUUCGCCUUCUCCU 832 3650 CAAGCAACACGCCCGGGGA 833 UCCCCGGGCGUGUUGCUUG 834 3695 GGCCCAACGGGCAGACGAA 835 UUCGUCUGCCCGUUGGGCC 836 3731 AGCUGGCGCUCGAGUACAU 837 AUGUACUCGAGCGCCAGCU 838 3734 UGGCGCUCGAGUACAUCGU 839 ACGAUGUACUCGAGCGCCA 840 3739 CUCGAGUACAUCGUGCCGU 841 ACGGCACGAUGUACUCGAG 842 3745 UACAUCGUGCCGUGCAUGA 843 UCAUGCACGGCACGAUGUA 844 3748 AUCGUGCCGUGCAUGAACA 845 UGUUCAUGCACGGCACGAU 846 3752 UGCCGUGCAUGAACAAGCA 847 UGCUUGUUCAUGCACGGCA 848 3762 GAACAAGCACGGCAUCUGU 849 ACAGAUGCCGUGCUUGUUC 850 3797 UCGGCAAGGAGACCGGACA 851 UGUCCGGUCUCCUUGCCGA 852 3809 CCGGACAGCAGAUCGGCGA 853 UCGCCGAUCUGCUGUCCGG 854 3842 UGCACGACACCGGGAAGUU 855 AACUUCCCGGUGUCGUGCA 856 3854 GGAAGUUCACGGACGGGCA 857 UGCCCGUCCGUGAACUUCC 858 3901 AAGGACAUCCGAGGCGAUA 859 UAUCGCCUCGGAUGUCCUU 860 3902 AGGACAUCCGAGGCGAUAA 861 UUAUCGCCUCGGAUGUCCU 862 3904 GACAUCCGAGGCGAUAAGA 863 UCUUAUCGCCUCGGAUGUC 864 3905 ACAUCCGAGGCGAUAAGAU 865 AUCUUAUCGCCUCGGAUGU 866 3907 AUCCGAGGCGAUAAGAUCA 867 UGAUCUUAUCGCCUCGGAU 868 3913 GGCGAUAAGAUCACCUGGA 869 UCCAGGUGAUCUUAUCGCC 870 3917 AUAAGAUCACCUGGAUCGA 871 UCGAUCCAGGUGAUCUUAU 872 3922 AUCACCUGGAUCGAGGGCA 873 UGCCCUCGAUCCAGGUGAU 874 3939 CAAGGAGCCCGGCUGCGAA 875 UUCGCAGCCGGGCUCCUUG 876 3943 GAGCCCGGCUGCGAAACCA 877 UGGUUUCGCAGCCGGGCUC 878 3944 AGCCCGGCUGCGAAACCAU 879 AUGGUUUCGCAGCCGGGCU 880 3950 GCUGCGAAACCAUUGGGCU 881 AGCCCAAUGGUUUCGCAGC 882 3953 GCGAAACCAUUGGGCUGCU 883 AGCAGCCCAAUGGUUUCGC 884 3978 CAGCAUGGACGACCUGAUA 885 UAUCAGGUCGUCCAUGCUG 886 3983 UGGACGACCUGAUACGCCA 887 UGGCGUAUCAGGUCGUCCA 888 3987 CGACCUGAUACGCCACUGU 889 ACAGUGGCGUAUCAGGUCG 890 3988 GACCUGAUACGCCACUGUA 891 UACAGUGGCGUAUCAGGUC 892 3994 AUACGCCACUGUAACGGGA 893 UCCCGUUACAGUGGCGUAU 894 4024 UACAAAAUCAAUGGCCGGA 895 UCCGGCCAUUGAUUUUGUA 896 4028 AAAUCAAUGGCCGGACGAA 897 UUCGUCCGGCCAUUGAUUU 898 4029 AAUCAAUGGCCGGACGAAA 899 UUUCGUCCGGCCAUUGAUU 900 4033 AAUGGCCGGACGAAAGCCA 901 UGGCUUUCGUCCGGCCAUU 902 4037 GCCGGACGAAAGCCAUGGU 903 ACCAUGGCUUUCGUCCGGC 904 4038 CCGGACGAAAGCCAUGGUU 905 AACCAUGGCUUUCGUCCGG 906 4047 AGCCAUGGUUGCUUGUUAU 907 AUAACAAGCAACCAUGGCU 908 4054 GUUGCUUGUUAUCCGGGCA 909 UGCCCGGAUAACAAGCAAC 910 4055 UUGCUUGUUAUCCGGGCAA 911 UUGCCCGGAUAACAAGCAA 912 4066 CCGGGCAAUGGAACGGGUU 913 AACCCGUUCCAUUGCCCGG 914 4067 CGGGCAAUGGAACGGGUUA 915 UAACCCGUUCCAUUGCCCG 916 4068 GGGCAAUGGAACGGGUUAU 917 AUAACCCGUUCCAUUGCCC 918 4070 GCAAUGGAACGGGUUAUGU 919 ACAUAACCCGUUCCAUUGC 920 4076 GAACGGGUUAUGUACGUCA 921 UGACGUACAUAACCCGUUC 922 4077 AACGGGUUAUGUACGUCAU 923 AUGACGUACAUAACCCGUU 924 4079 CGGGUUAUGUACGUCAUGU 925 ACAUGACGUACAUAACCCG 926 4080 GGGUUAUGUACGUCAUGUU 927 AACAUGACGUACAUAACCC 928 4082 GUUAUGUACGUCAUGUUGA 929 UCAACAUGACGUACAUAAC 930 4084 UAUGUACGUCAUGUUGAUA 931 UAUCAACAUGACGUACAUA 932 4085 AUGUACGUCAUGUUGAUAA 933 UUAUCAACAUGACGUACAU 934 4089 ACGUCAUGUUGAUAAUCCA 935 UGGAUUAUCAACAUGACGU 936 4090 CGUCAUGUUGAUAAUCCAA 937 UUGGAUUAUCAACAUGACG 938 4113 AGAUGGAAGAUGUGUGACA 939 UGUCACACAUCUUCCAUCU 940 4127 UGACAUGUAUAUAUUAUCU 941 AGAUAAUAUAUACAUGUCA 942 4153 GACUGGGAUGCCAAGGUAA 943 UUACCUUGGCAUCCCAGUC 944 4163 CCAAGGUAAGUGGAGGUAU 945 AUACCUCCACUUACCUUGG 946 4172 GUGGAGGUAUACUUCGAAU 947 AUUCGAAGUAUACCUCCAC 948 4173 UGGAGGUAUACUUCGAAUU 949 AAUUCGAAGUAUACCUCCA 950 4174 GGAGGUAUACUUCGAAUUU 951 AAAUUCGAAGUAUACCUCC 952 4175 GAGGUAUACUUCGAAUUUU 953 AAAAUUCGAAGUAUACCUC 954 4252 UUCUGGUCUGACCGUCGCA 955 UGCGACGGUCAGACCAGAA 956 4253 UCUGGUCUGACCGUCGCAA 957 UUGCGACGGUCAGACCAGA 958 4257 GUCUGACCGUCGCAACCCU 959 AGGGUUGCGACGGUCAGAC 960 4269 CAACCCUCAUGAAGUACAA 961 UUGUACUUCAUGAGGGUUG 962 4294 UAUGCUACAAGGUACGCAA 963 UUGCGUACCUUGUAGCAUA 964 4295 AUGCUACAAGGUACGCAAU 965 AUUGCGUACCUUGUAGCAU 966 4296 UGCUACAAGGUACGCAAUA 967 UAUUGCGUACCUUGUAGCA 968 4297 GCUACAAGGUACGCAAUAA 969 UUAUUGCGUACCUUGUAGC 970 4299 UACAAGGUACGCAAUAACU 971 AGUUAUUGCGUACCUUGUA 972 4306 UACGCAAUAACUGUUUGGU 973 ACCAAACAGUUAUUGCGUA 974 4307 ACGCAAUAACUGUUUGGUA 975 UACCAAACAGUUAUUGCGU 976 4335 AGAUGAGAGAGCACGAGCU 977 AGCUCGUGCUCUCUCAUCU 978 4337 AUGAGAGAGCACGAGCUAA 979 UUAGCUCGUGCUCUCUCAU 980 4340 AGAGAGCACGAGCUAAAGU 981 ACUUUAGCUCGUGCUCUCU 982 4341 GAGAGCACGAGCUAAAGUA 983 UACUUUAGCUCGUGCUCUC 984 4342 AGAGCACGAGCUAAAGUAA 985 UUACUUUAGCUCGUGCUCU 986 4356 AGUAAAAUAUCUAACAGGU 987 ACCUGUUAGAUAUUUUACU 988 4358 UAAAAUAUCUAACAGGUGA 989 UCACCUGUUAGAUAUUUUA 990 4359 AAAAUAUCUAACAGGUGAA 991 UUCACCUGUUAGAUAUUUU 992 4360 AAAUAUCUAACAGGUGAAA 993 UUUCACCUGUUAGAUAUUU 994 4379 AAGGUGUGAGGGUUGAACU 995 AGUUCAACCCUCACACCUU 996 4381 GGUGUGAGGGUUGAACUCA 997 UGAGUUCAACCCUCACACC 998 4384 GUGAGGGUUGAACUCAAUA 999 UAUUGAGUUCAACCCUCAC 1000 4386 GAGGGUUGAACUCAAUAAA 1001 UUUAUUGAGUUCAACCCUC 1002 4389 GGUUGAACUCAAUAAACCU 1003 AGGUUUAUUGAGUUCAACC 1004 4404 ACCUUCAGAUUCGGUCGGU 1005 ACCGACCGAAUCUGAAGGU 1006 4405 CCUUCAGAUUCGGUCGGUA 1007 UACCGACCGAAUCUGAAGG 1008 4406 CUUCAGAUUCGGUCGGUAA 1009 UUACCGACCGAAUCUGAAG 1010 4407 UUCAGAUUCGGUCGGUAAA 1011 UUUACCGACCGAAUCUGAA 1012 4409 CAGAUUCGGUCGGUAAAGA 1013 UCUUUACCGACCGAAUCUG 1014 4412 AUUCGGUCGGUAAAGACGU 1015 ACGUCUUUACCGACCGAAU 1016 4424 AAGACGUCUUCUAGAGCCU 1017 AGGCUCUAGAAGACGUCUU 1018 4425 AGACGUCUUCUAGAGCCUU 1019 AAGGCUCUAGAAGACGUCU 1020 4435 UAGAGCCUUUGAUCCAGCA 1021 UGCUGGAUCAAAGGCUCUA 1022 4443 UUGAUCCAGCAAUACCCCA 1023 UGGGGUAUUGCUGGAUCAA 1024 4451 GCAAUACCCCACUUCACCU 1025 AGGUGAAGUGGGGUAUUGC 1026 4461 ACUUCACCUACAAUAUUGU 1027 ACAAUAUUGUAGGUGAAGU 1028 4488 UGUUAACUUGUGAAUACGA 1029 UCGUAUUCACAAGUUAACA 1030 4489 GUUAACUUGUGAAUACGAA 1031 UUCGUAUUCACAAGUUAAC 1032 4494 CUUGUGAAUACGAAUAAAU 1033 AUUUAUUCGUAUUCACAAG 1034 4502 UACGAAUAAAUGGGAUAAA 1035 UUUAUCCCAUUUAUUCGUA 1036 4525 AAUAGACAACCAGUUCGCA 1037 UGCGAACUGGUUGUCUAUU 1038 4526 AUAGACAACCAGUUCGCAU 1039 AUGCGAACUGGUUGUCUAU 1040 4527 UAGACAACCAGUUCGCAUU 1041 AAUGCGAACUGGUUGUCUA 1042 4528 AGACAACCAGUUCGCAUUU 1043 AAAUGCGAACUGGUUGUCU 1044 4608 CUUUGUACUGCAUGAUCAA 1045 UUGAUCAUGCAGUACAAAG 1046 4634 UCUGUGAUUGCUUACAGGA 1047 UCCUGUAAGCAAUCACAGA 1048 4651 GAGGAAGAUAAGCUACUAA 1049 UUAGUAGCUUAUCUUCCUC 1050 4687 AUCUGGAUAUGAAAUAAGU 1051 ACUUAUUUCAUAUCCAGAU 1052 4699 AAUAAGUGCCCUGUGUAGA 1053 UCUACACAGGGCACUUAUU 1054 4700 AUAAGUGCCCUGUGUAGAA 1055 UUCUACACAGGGCACUUAU 1056 4703 AGUGCCCUGUGUAGAAUUU 1057 AAAUUCUACACAGGGCACU 1058 4732 UAUAUUUUGCCAGAUCUGU 1059 ACAGAUCUGGCAAAAUAUA 1060 4738 UUGCCAGAUCUGUUAUCUA 1061 UAGAUAACAGAUCUGGCAA 1062 4741 CCAGAUCUGUUAUCUAGCU 1063 AGCUAGAUAACAGAUCUGG 1064 4748 UGUUAUCUAGCUGAGUUCA 1065 UGAACUCAGCUAGAUAACA 1066 4749 GUUAUCUAGCUGAGUUCAU 1067 AUGAACUCAGCUAGAUAAC 1068 4756 AGCUGAGUUCAUUUCAUCU 1069 AGAUGAAAUGAACUCAGCU 1070 4791 AAGUUUGAAUUUGGGAUAA 1071 UUAUCCCAAAUUCAAACUU 1072 4812 UUUCUAUAUUAGGUACAAU 1073 AUUGUACCUAAUAUAGAAA 1074 4814 UCUAUAUUAGGUACAAUUU 1075 AAAUUGUACCUAAUAUAGA 1076 4819 AUUAGGUACAAUUUAUCUA 1077 UAGAUAAAUUGUACCUAAU 1078 4820 UUAGGUACAAUUUAUCUAA 1079 UUAGAUAAAUUGUACCUAA 1080 4821 UAGGUACAAUUUAUCUAAA 1081 UUUAGAUAAAUUGUACCUA 1082 4823 GGUACAAUUUAUCUAAACU 1083 AGUUUAGAUAAAUUGUACC 1084 4870 CUCAAAAUAACAUCAAUCU 1085 AGAUUGAUGUUAUUUUGAG 1086 4893 UUGUAAACCUGUUCAUACU 1087 AGUAUGAACAGGUUUACAA 1088 4894 UGUAAACCUGUUCAUACUA 1089 UAGUAUGAACAGGUUUACA 1090 4897 AAACCUGUUCAUACUAUUA 1091 UAAUAGUAUGAACAGGUUU 1092 4909 ACUAUUAAAUUUUGCCCUA 1093 UAGGGCAAAAUUUAAUAGU 1094 4919 UUUGCCCUAAAAGACCUCU 1095 AGAGGUCUUUUAGGGCAAA 1096 4920 UUGCCCUAAAAGACCUCUU 1097 AAGAGGUCUUUUAGGGCAA 1098 4929 AAGACCUCUUAAUAAUGAU 1099 AUCAUUAUUAAGAGGUCUU 1100 4930 AGACCUCUUAAUAAUGAUU 1101 AAUCAUUAUUAAGAGGUCU 1102 4933 CCUCUUAAUAAUGAUUGUU 1103 AACAAUCAUUAUUAAGAGG 1104 4952 GCCAGUGACUGAUGAUUAA 1105 UUAAUCAUCAGUCACUGGC 1106 4953 CCAGUGACUGAUGAUUAAU 1107 AUUAAUCAUCAGUCACUGG 1108 4954 CAGUGACUGAUGAUUAAUU 1109 AAUUAAUCAUCAGUCACUG 1110 4997 GAGCACUUUAAUUACAACU 1111 AGUUGUAAUUAAAGUGCUC 1112 5031 UUUGUAGUCCUUCCUUACA 1113 UGUAAGGAAGGACUACAAA 1114 5035 UAGUCCUUCCUUACACUAA 1115 UUAGUGUAAGGAAGGACUA 1116 5048 CACUAAUUUGAACUGUUAA 1117 UUAACAGUUCAAAUUAGUG 1118 5084 UUGACAUUGUCAAUAACGA 1119 UCGUUAUUGACAAUGUCAA 1120 5085 UGACAUUGUCAAUAACGAA 1121 UUCGUUAUUGACAAUGUCA 1122 5086 GACAUUGUCAAUAACGAAA 1123 UUUCGUUAUUGACAAUGUC 1124 5089 AUUGUCAAUAACGAAACCU 1125 AGGUUUCGUUAUUGACAAU 1126 5090 UUGUCAAUAACGAAACCUA 1127 UAGGUUUCGUUAUUGACAA 1128 5091 UGUCAAUAACGAAACCUAA 1129 UUAGGUUUCGUUAUUGACA 1130 5095 AAUAACGAAACCUAAUUGU 1131 ACAAUUAGGUUUCGUUAUU 1132 5096 AUAACGAAACCUAAUUGUA 1133 UACAAUUAGGUUUCGUUAU 1134 5105 CCUAAUUGUAAAACAGUCA 1135 UGACUGUUUUACAAUUAGG 1136 5111 UGUAAAACAGUCACCAUUU 1137 AAAUGGUGACUGUUUUACA 1138 5120 GUCACCAUUUACUACCAAU 1139 AUUGGUAGUAAAUGGUGAC 1140 5121 UCACCAUUUACUACCAAUA 1141 UAUUGGUAGUAAAUGGUGA 1142 5122 CACCAUUUACUACCAAUAA 1143 UUAUUGGUAGUAAAUGGUG 1144 5124 CCAUUUACUACCAAUAACU 1145 AGUUAUUGGUAGUAAAUGG 1146 5399 CCUAGGCUGGGGUUUAAGU 1147 ACUUAAACCCCAGCCUAGG 1148 5404 GCUGGGGUUUAAGUUAAAU 1149 AUUUAACUUAAACCCCAGC 1150 5405 CUGGGGUUUAAGUUAAAUU 1151 AAUUUAACUUAAACCCCAG 1152 5432 AACUAAAGUGACUGGCACU 1153 AGUGCCAGUCACUUUAGUU 1154 5474 GCUUCAAGUUCCUAAGAUA 1155 UAUCUUAGGAACUUGAAGC 1156 5481 GUUCCUAAGAUAAGGGCUU 1157 AAGCCCUUAUCUUAGGAAC 1158 5484 CCUAAGAUAAGGGCUUUCU 1159 AGAAAGCCCUUAUCUUAGG 1160 5511 CAGGUGUAUGUAUCCUCUA 1161 UAGAGGAUACAUACACCUG 1162 5513 GGUGUAUGUAUCCUCUAGA 1163 UCUAGAGGAUACAUACACC 1164 5517 UAUGUAUCCUCUAGAUGUA 1165 UACAUCUAGAGGAUACAUA 1166 5523 UCCUCUAGAUGUAGACAAU 1167 AUUGUCUACAUCUAGAGGA 1168 5524 CCUCUAGAUGUAGACAAUA 1169 UAUUGUCUACAUCUAGAGG 1170 5543 AUGUCCCAUUUCUAAGUCU 1171 AGACUUAGAAAUGGGACAU 1172 5544 UGUCCCAUUUCUAAGUCUU 1173 AAGACUUAGAAAUGGGACA 1174 5574 UCUCCUUAAAUUGAUUGUA 1175 UACAAUCAAUUUAAGGAGA 1176 5580 UAAAUUGAUUGUACUUCCA 1177 UGGAAGUACAAUCAAUUUA 1178 5581 AAAUUGAUUGUACUUCCAA 1179 UUGGAAGUACAAUCAAUUU 1180 5624 AUACUGUGAUCUAUCUGAU 1181 AUCAGAUAGAUCACAGUAU 1182 5659 UGUCUCUGUUGAAGAGCAU 1183 AUGCUCUUCAACAGAGACA 1184 5662 CUCUGUUGAAGAGCAUCAA 1185 UUGAUGCUCUUCAACAGAG 1186 5673 AGCAUCAAGGGGAGAUUAU 1187 AUAAUCUCCCCUUGAUGCU 1188 5676 AUCAAGGGGAGAUUAUGUA 1189 UACAUAAUCUCCCCUUGAU 1190 5678 CAAGGGGAGAUUAUGUACA 1191 UGUACAUAAUCUCCCCUUG 1192 5711 UGUGGUGUUACUGACGGAA 1193 UUCCGUCAGUAACACCACA 1194 5714 GGUGUUACUGACGGAAUGU 1195 ACAUUCCGUCAGUAACACC 1196 5717 GUUACUGACGGAAUGUGCA 1197 UGCACAUUCCGUCAGUAAC 1198 5723 GACGGAAUGUGCAGUAACU 1199 AGUUACUGCACAUUCCGUC 1200 5738 AACUCCUCAGAUAUCUGUU 1201 AACAGAUAUCUGAGGAGUU 1202 5740 CUCCUCAGAUAUCUGUUAA 1203 UUAACAGAUAUCUGAGGAG 1204 5782 GCCUUCUUACCUGUACUGA 1205 UCAGUACAGGUAAGAAGGC 1206 5792 CUGUACUGAAAGAUGCUUA 1207 UAAGCAUCUUUCAGUACAG 1208 5795 UACUGAAAGAUGCUUAGCU 1209 AGCUAAGCAUCUUUCAGUA 1210 5799 GAAAGAUGCUUAGCUUAGA 1211 UCUAAGCUAAGCAUCUUUC 1212 5801 AAGAUGCUUAGCUUAGAAA 1213 UUUCUAAGCUAAGCAUCUU 1214 5860 UCAUGGGUUUUCUUAUUUA 1215 UAAAUAAGAAAACCCAUGA 1216 5915 AAGGCCUCACAUACAUGUU 1217 AACAUGUAUGUGAGGCCUU 1218 5917 GGCCUCACAUACAUGUUAU 1219 AUAACAUGUAUGUGAGGCC 1220 5918 GCCUCACAUACAUGUUAUU 1221 AAUAACAUGUAUGUGAGGC 1222 5944 UGAAUUGGGACGGAUGUCU 1223 AGACAUCCGUCCCAAUUCA 1224 5945 GAAUUGGGACGGAUGUCUU 1225 AAGACAUCCGUCCCAAUUC 1226 5948 UUGGGACGGAUGUCUUAGA 1227 UCUAAGACAUCCGUCCCAA 1228 5950 GGGACGGAUGUCUUAGACU 1229 AGUCUAAGACAUCCGUCCC 1230 5961 CUUAGACUUCACUUUCCUA 1231 UAGGAAAGUGAAGUCUAAG 1232 5965 GACUUCACUUUCCUAGGCU 1233 AGCCUAGGAAAGUGAAGUC 1234 5966 ACUUCACUUUCCUAGGCUU 1235 AAGCCUAGGAAAGUGAAGU 1236 5967 CUUCACUUUCCUAGGCUUU 1237 AAAGCCUAGGAAAGUGAAG 1238 5968 UUCACUUUCCUAGGCUUUU 1239 AAAAGCCUAGGAAAGUGAA 1240 5994 ACCUAAAGGGUGGUAUCCA 1241 UGGAUACCACCCUUUAGGU 1242 5997 UAAAGGGUGGUAUCCAUAU 1243 AUAUGGAUACCACCCUUUA 1244 5998 AAAGGGUGGUAUCCAUAUU 1245 AAUAUGGAUACCACCCUUU 1246 6004 UGGUAUCCAUAUUUUGCGU 1247 ACGCAAAAUAUGGAUACCA 1248 6006 GUAUCCAUAUUUUGCGUGA 1249 UCACGCAAAAUAUGGAUAC 1250 6007 UAUCCAUAUUUUGCGUGAA 1251 UUCACGCAAAAUAUGGAUA 1252 6008 AUCCAUAUUUUGCGUGAAU 1253 AUUCACGCAAAAUAUGGAU 1254 6010 CCAUAUUUUGCGUGAAUUA 1255 UAAUUCACGCAAAAUAUGG 1256 6017 UUGCGUGAAUUAUGGGUGU 1257 ACACCCAUAAUUCACGCAA 1258 6024 AAUUAUGGGUGUAAGACCU 1259 AGGUCUUACACCCAUAAUU 1260 6025 AUUAUGGGUGUAAGACCUU 1261 AAGGUCUUACACCCAUAAU 1262 6038 GACCUUGCCCACUUAGGUU 1263 AACCUAAGUGGGCAAGGUC 1264 6048 ACUUAGGUUUUCUAUCUCU 1265 AGAGAUAGAAAACCUAAGU 1266 6050 UUAGGUUUUCUAUCUCUGU 1267 ACAGAGAUAGAAAACCUAA 1268 6057 UUCUAUCUCUGUCCUUGAU 1269 AUCAAGGACAGAGAUAGAA 1270 6059 CUAUCUCUGUCCUUGAUCU 1271 AGAUCAAGGACAGAGAUAG 1272 6083 GCCAAAAUGUGAGUAUACA 1273 UGUAUACUCACAUUUUGGC 1274 6085 CAAAAUGUGAGUAUACAGA 1275 UCUGUAUACUCACAUUUUG 1276 6137 AGCAUCUGUAUAGUUUGUA 1277 UACAAACUAUACAGAUGCU 1278 6153 GUAUUCAAUUUGAGACCUU 1279 AAGGUCUCAAAUUGAAUAC 1280 6167 ACCUUUUCUAUGGGAAGCU 1281 AGCUUCCCAUAGAAAAGGU 1282 6169 CUUUUCUAUGGGAAGCUCA 1283 UGAGCUUCCCAUAGAAAAG 1284 6206 UUGCCAUUGCUAUUCAUGU 1285 ACAUGAAUAGCAAUGGCAA 1286 6273 GGGAUUGAAUGUUCAGUAU 1287 AUACUGAACAUUCAAUCCC 1288 6290 AUAGUGAUCUCACUUAGGA 1289 UCCUAAGUGAGAUCACUAU 1290 6318 GGAGAAAGUGAUAGUUUAU 1291 AUAAACUAUCACUUUCUCC 1292 6341 UUUUCCUCGCCCAUAUUCA 1293 UGAAUAUGGGCGAGGAAAA 1294 6344 UCCUCGCCCAUAUUCAGUU 1295 AACUGAAUAUGGGCGAGGA 1296 6345 CCUCGCCCAUAUUCAGUUU 1297 AAACUGAAUAUGGGCGAGG 1298 6346 CUCGCCCAUAUUCAGUUUU 1299 AAAACUGAAUAUGGGCGAG 1300 6348 CGCCCAUAUUCAGUUUUGU 1301 ACAAAACUGAAUAUGGGCG 1302 6389 AGAUGAUAACAUCACAUCU 1303 AGAUGUGAUGUUAUCAUCU 1304 6400 UCACAUCUCUACAGUAAGU 1305 ACUUACUGUAGAGAUGUGA 1306 6431 CCAACCCAGGAGCGCAAGU 1307 ACUUGCGCUCCUGGGUUGG 1308 6432 CAACCCAGGAGCGCAAGUU 1309 AACUUGCGCUCCUGGGUUG 1310 6458 CCAUCUGGUCUAUAGUACA 1311 UGUACUAUAGACCAGAUGG 1312 6469 AUAGUACAGUGCGCGGCGU 1313 ACGCCGCGCACUGUACUAU 1314 6470 UAGUACAGUGCGCGGCGUU 1315 AACGCCGCGCACUGUACUA 1316 6471 AGUACAGUGCGCGGCGUUA 1317 UAACGCCGCGCACUGUACU 1318 6476 AGUGCGCGGCGUUAGGCCA 1319 UGGCCUAACGCCGCGCACU 1320 6478 UGCGCGGCGUUAGGCCACA 1321 UGUGGCCUAACGCCGCGCA 1322 6479 GCGCGGCGUUAGGCCACAA 1323 UUGUGGCCUAACGCCGCGC 1324 6484 GCGUUAGGCCACAACUCAA 1325 UUGAGUUGUGGCCUAACGC 1326 6485 CGUUAGGCCACAACUCAAA 1327 UUUGAGUUGUGGCCUAACG 1328 6516 UUUAGGGUUAGUAGAAAUU 1329 AAUUUCUACUAACCCUAAA 1330 6537 UUUAUGUUGAUGGGAGGUU 1331 AACCUCCCAUCAACAUAAA 1332 6548 GGGAGGUUUGUUUGAUUGU 1333 ACAAUCAAACAAACCUCCC 1334 6581 ACAGCCUUUUAAUUUGGGA 1335 UCCCAAAUUAAAAGGCUGU 1336 6599 AGCCCCUGUUGUCAUUCAA 1337 UUGAAUGACAACAGGGGCU 1338 6609 GUCAUUCAAAUGUGUACCU 1339 AGGUACACAUUUGAAUGAC 1340 6612 AUUCAAAUGUGUACCUCUA 1341 UAGAGGUACACAUUUGAAU 1342 6656 CUAUCUGUGGGUUGUGCUU 1343 AAGCACAACCCACAGAUAG 1344 6669 GUGCUUGCCAGACAGGUCU 1345 AGACCUGUCUGGCAAGCAC 1346 6716 UAUACUCUCUUAGGAAUCA 1347 UGAUUCCUAAGAGAGUAUA 1348 6747 CAAGAAAUCAGGAUGGCCA 1349 UGGCCAUCCUGAUUUCUUG 1350 6788 CAUGUUAGUGGGACUAUUA 1351 UAAUAGUCCCACUAACAUG 1352 6800 ACUAUUAACUUGUCACCAA 1353 UUGGUGACAAGUUAAUAGU 1354 6862 AUAUGUGUUUAAUCCUGGU 1355 ACCAGGAUUAAACACAUAU 1356 6868 GUUUAAUCCUGGUUAAAGA 1357 UCUUUAACCAGGAUUAAAC 1358 6869 UUUAAUCCUGGUUAAAGAU 1359 AUCUUUAACCAGGAUUAAA 1360 6911 UUCAACACAUUAACCAGCU 1361 AGCUGGUUAAUGUGUUGAA 1362 6942 CCUUUAUCAAGAGUAGGCA 1363 UGCCUACUCUUGAUAAAGG 1364 6943 CUUUAUCAAGAGUAGGCAA 1365 UUGCCUACUCUUGAUAAAG 1366 6974 UUCAUAUACAGAUAGACUA 1367 UAGUCUAUCUGUAUAUGAA 1368 6985 AUAGACUAUAAAGUCAUGU 1369 ACAUGACUUUAUAGUCUAU 1370 6986 UAGACUAUAAAGUCAUGUA 1371 UACAUGACUUUAUAGUCUA 1372 7040 CAAGUUGCUUGUAAAGCUA 1373 UAGCUUUACAAGCAACUUG 1374 7041 AAGUUGCUUGUAAAGCUAA 1375 UUAGCUUUACAAGCAACUU 1376 7045 UGCUUGUAAAGCUAAUCUA 1377 UAGAUUAGCUUUACAAGCA 1378 7046 GCUUGUAAAGCUAAUCUAA 1379 UUAGAUUAGCUUUACAAGC 1380

TABLE 6B Human EGNL2 Single Strands and Duplex Sequences SEQ SEQ ID ID Start Sense Sequence (5′ to 3′) NO. Antisense Sequence (5′ to 3′) NO. 64 CCACCCUGAAGGGUCCCUU 1381 AAGGGACCCUUCAGGGUGG 1382 76 GUCCCUUCCCAAGCCCUUA 1383 UAAGGGCUUGGGAAGGGAC 1384 80 CUUCCCAAGCCCUUAGGGA 1385 UCCCUAAGGGCUUGGGAAG 1386 85 CAAGCCCUUAGGGACCGCA 1387 UGCGGUCCCUAAGGGCUUG 1388 93 UAGGGACCGCAGAGGACUU 1389 AAGUCCUCUGCGGUCCCUA 1390 98 ACCGCAGAGGACUUGGGGA 1391 UCCCCAAGUCCUCUGCGGU 1392 108 ACUUGGGGACCAGCAAGCA 1393 UGCUUGCUGGUCCCCAAGU 1394 109 CUUGGGGACCAGCAAGCAA 1395 UUGCUUGCUGGUCCCCAAG 1396 115 GACCAGCAAGCAACCCCCA 1397 UGGGGGUUGCUUGCUGGUC 1398 125 CAACCCCCAGGGCACGAGA 1399 UCUCGUGCCCUGGGGGUUG 1400 126 AACCCCCAGGGCACGAGAA 1401 UUCUCGUGCCCUGGGGGUU 1402 128 CCCCCAGGGCACGAGAAGA 1403 UCUUCUCGUGCCCUGGGGG 1404 137 CACGAGAAGAGCUCUUGCU 1405 AGCAAGAGCUCUUCUCGUG 1406 139 CGAGAAGAGCUCUUGCUGU 1407 ACAGCAAGAGCUCUUCUCG 1408 141 AGAAGAGCUCUUGCUGUCU 1409 AGACAGCAAGAGCUCUUCU 1410 195 GCCCCCAGCUGCAUCAAGU 1411 ACUUGAUGCAGCUGGGGGC 1412 244 CACCAUGGGCCCGGGCGGU 1413 ACCGCCCGGGCCCAUGGUG 1414 253 CCCGGGCGGUGCCCUCCAU 1415 AUGGAGGGCACCGCCCGGG 1416 266 CUCCAUGCCCGGGGGAUGA 1417 UCAUCCCCCGGGCAUGGAG 1418 269 CAUGCCCGGGGGAUGAAGA 1419 UCUUCAUCCCCCGGGCAUG 1420 271 UGCCCGGGGGAUGAAGACA 1421 UGUCUUCAUCCCCCGGGCA 1422 273 CCCGGGGGAUGAAGACACU 1423 AGUGUCUUCAUCCCCCGGG 1424 276 GGGGGAUGAAGACACUGCU 1425 AGCAGUGUCUUCAUCCCCC 1426 310 UGCCAGCCGCAGCCCCUAA 1427 UUAGGGGCUGCGGCUGGCA 1428 314 AGCCGCAGCCCCUAAGUCA 1429 UGACUUAGGGGCUGCGGCU 1430 318 GCAGCCCCUAAGUCAGGCU 1431 AGCCUGACUUAGGGGCUGC 1432 320 AGCCCCUAAGUCAGGCUCU 1433 AGAGCCUGACUUAGGGGCU 1434 324 CCUAAGUCAGGCUCUCCCU 1435 AGGGAGAGCCUGACUUAGG 1436 328 AGUCAGGCUCUCCCUCAGU 1437 ACUGAGGGAGAGCCUGACU 1438 329 GUCAGGCUCUCCCUCAGUU 1439 AACUGAGGGAGAGCCUGAC 1440 340 CCUCAGUUACCAGGGUCUU 1441 AAGACCCUGGUAACUGAGG 1442 343 CAGUUACCAGGGUCUUCGU 1443 ACGAAGACCCUGGUAACUG 1444 345 GUUACCAGGGUCUUCGUCA 1445 UGACGAAGACCCUGGUAAC 1446 347 UACCAGGGUCUUCGUCAGA 1447 UCUGACGAAGACCCUGGUA 1448 398 UGGGAGUGGAGAGUUACCU 1449 AGGUAACUCUCCACUCCCA 1450 441 CCACUGUCCAGGAGUGCCU 1451 AGGCACUCCUGGACAGUGG 1452 456 GCCUAGUGAGGCCUCGGCA 1453 UGCCGAGGCCUCACUAGGC 1454 516 CAGCCCUCUUCGGGACGGU 1455 ACCGUCCCGAAGAGGGCUG 1456 518 GCCCUCUUCGGGACGGUUU 1457 AAACCGUCCCGAAGAGGGC 1458 519 CCCUCUUCGGGACGGUUUU 1459 AAAACCGUCCCGAAGAGGG 1460 527 GGGACGGUUUUGGCGGGCA 1461 UGCCCGCCAAAACCGUCCC 1462 531 CGGUUUUGGCGGGCAGGAU 1463 AUCCUGCCCGCCAAAACCG 1464 534 UUUUGGCGGGCAGGAUGGU 1465 ACCAUCCUGCCCGCCAAAA 1466 561 GCGGCCGCUGCAGAGUGAA 1467 UUCACUCUGCAGCGGCCGC 1468 567 GCUGCAGAGUGAAGGCGCU 1469 AGCGCCUUCACUCUGCAGC 1470 583 GCUGCAGCGCUGGUCACCA 1471 UGGUGACCAGCGCUGCAGC 1472 593 UGGUCACCAAGGGGUGCCA 1473 UGGCACCCCUUGGUGACCA 1474 598 ACCAAGGGGUGCCAGCGAU 1475 AUCGCUGGCACCCCUUGGU 1476 599 CCAAGGGGUGCCAGCGAUU 1477 AAUCGCUGGCACCCCUUGG 1478 603 GGGGUGCCAGCGAUUGGCA 1479 UGCCAAUCGCUGGCACCCC 1480 615 AUUGGCAGCCCAGGGCGCA 1481 UGCGCCCUGGGCUGCCAAU 1482 637 CCUGAGGCCCCCAAACGGA 1483 UCCGUUUGGGGGCCUCAGG 1484 638 CUGAGGCCCCCAAACGGAA 1485 UUCCGUUUGGGGGCCUCAG 1486 639 UGAGGCCCCCAAACGGAAA 1487 UUUCCGUUUGGGGGCCUCA 1488 640 GAGGCCCCCAAACGGAAAU 1489 AUUUCCGUUUGGGGGCCUC 1490 650 AACGGAAAUGGGCCGAGGA 1491 UCCUCGGCCCAUUUCCGUU 1492 651 ACGGAAAUGGGCCGAGGAU 1493 AUCCUCGGCCCAUUUCCGU 1494 654 GAAAUGGGCCGAGGAUGGU 1495 ACCAUCCUCGGCCCAUUUC 1496 685 UCACCCAGCAAACGGCCCU 1497 AGGGCCGUUUGCUGGGUGA 1498 704 GGGCCAGGCAAGAGAACCA 1499 UGGUUCUCUUGCCUGGCCC 1500 803 CGCUGCCCUCUGCGCCCGA 1501 UCGGGCGCAGAGGGCAGCG 1502 824 GCCUGGCCCUGGACUAUAU 1503 AUAUAGUCCAGGGCCAGGC 1504 827 UGGCCCUGGACUAUAUCGU 1505 ACGAUAUAGUCCAGGGCCA 1506 835 GACUAUAUCGUGCCCUGCA 1507 UGCAGGGCACGAUAUAGUC 1508 836 ACUAUAUCGUGCCCUGCAU 1509 AUGCAGGGCACGAUAUAGU 1510 842 UCGUGCCCUGCAUGCGGUA 1511 UACCGCAUGCAGGGCACGA 1512 844 GUGCCCUGCAUGCGGUACU 1513 AGUACCGCAUGCAGGGCAC 1514 845 UGCCCUGCAUGCGGUACUA 1515 UAGUACCGCAUGCAGGGCA 1516 851 GCAUGCGGUACUACGGCAU 1517 AUGCCGUAGUACCGCAUGC 1518 853 AUGCGGUACUACGGCAUCU 1519 AGAUGCCGUAGUACCGCAU 1520 857 GGUACUACGGCAUCUGCGU 1521 ACGCAGAUGCCGUAGUACC 1522 859 UACUACGGCAUCUGCGUCA 1523 UGACGCAGAUGCCGUAGUA 1524 863 ACGGCAUCUGCGUCAAGGA 1525 UCCUUGACGCAGAUGCCGU 1526 868 AUCUGCGUCAAGGACAGCU 1527 AGCUGUCCUUGACGCAGAU 1528 896 CAGCACUGGGCGGUCGCGU 1529 ACGCGACCGCCCAGUGCUG 1530 899 CACUGGGCGGUCGCGUGCU 1531 AGCACGCGACCGCCCAGUG 1532 927 GGAGGCCCUCAAACGGGGU 1533 ACCCCGUUUGAGGGCCUCC 1534 935 UCAAACGGGGUGGGCGCCU 1535 AGGCGCCCACCCCGUUUGA 1536 939 ACGGGGUGGGCGCCUGCGA 1537 UCGCAGGCGCCCACCCCGU 1538 947 GGCGCCUGCGAGACGGGCA 1539 UGCCCGUCUCGCAGGCGCC 1540 967 CUAGUGAGCCAGAGGGCGA 1541 UCGCCCUCUGGCUCACUAG 1542 968 UAGUGAGCCAGAGGGCGAU 1543 AUCGCCCUCUGGCUCACUA 1544 982 GCGAUCCCGCCGCGCAGCA 1545 UGCUGCGCGGCGGGAUCGC 1546 983 CGAUCCCGCCGCGCAGCAU 1547 AUGCUGCGCGGCGGGAUCG 1548 987 CCCGCCGCGCAGCAUCCGU 1549 ACGGAUGCUGCGCGGCGGG 1550 992 CGCGCAGCAUCCGUGGGGA 1551 UCCCCACGGAUGCUGCGCG 1552 999 CAUCCGUGGGGACCAGAUU 1553 AAUCUGGUCCCCACGGAUG 1554 1011 CCAGAUUGCCUGGGUGGAA 1555 UUCCACCCAGGCAAUCUGG 1556 1019 CCUGGGUGGAAGGCCAUGA 1557 UCAUGGCCUUCCACCCAGG 1558 1020 CUGGGUGGAAGGCCAUGAA 1559 UUCAUGGCCUUCCACCCAG 1560 1032 CCAUGAACCAGGCUGUCGA 1561 UCGACAGCCUGGUUCAUGG 1562 1033 CAUGAACCAGGCUGUCGAA 1563 UUCGACAGCCUGGUUCAUG 1564 1036 GAACCAGGCUGUCGAAGCA 1565 UGCUUCGACAGCCUGGUUC 1566 1041 AGGCUGUCGAAGCAUUGGU 1567 ACCAAUGCUUCGACAGCCU 1568 1046 GUCGAAGCAUUGGUGCCCU 1569 AGGGCACCAAUGCUUCGAC 1570 1048 CGAAGCAUUGGUGCCCUCA 1571 UGAGGGCACCAAUGCUUCG 1572 1049 GAAGCAUUGGUGCCCUCAU 1573 AUGAGGGCACCAAUGCUUC 1574 1058 GUGCCCUCAUGGCCCAUGU 1575 ACAUGGGCCAUGAGGGCAC 1576 1070 CCCAUGUGGACGCCGUCAU 1577 AUGACGGCGUCCACAUGGG 1578 1076 UGGACGCCGUCAUCCGCCA 1579 UGGCGGAUGACGGCGUCCA 1580 1078 GACGCCGUCAUCCGCCACU 1581 AGUGGCGGAUGACGGCGUC 1582 1100 CAGGGCGGCUGGGCAGCUA 1583 UAGCUGCCCAGCCGCCCUG 1584 1103 GGCGGCUGGGCAGCUAUGU 1585 ACAUAGCUGCCCAGCCGCC 1586 1106 GGCUGGGCAGCUAUGUCAU 1587 AUGACAUAGCUGCCCAGCC 1588 1117 UAUGUCAUCAACGGGCGCA 1589 UGCGCCCGUUGAUGACAUA 1590 1120 GUCAUCAACGGGCGCACCA 1591 UGGUGCGCCCGUUGAUGAC 1592 1121 UCAUCAACGGGCGCACCAA 1593 UUGGUGCGCCCGUUGAUGA 1594 1126 AACGGGCGCACCAAGGCCA 1595 UGGCCUUGGUGCGCCCGUU 1596 1137 CAAGGCCAUGGUGGCGUGU 1597 ACACGCCACCAUGGCCUUG 1598 1143 CAUGGUGGCGUGUUACCCA 1599 UGGGUAACACGCCACCAUG 1600 1148 UGGCGUGUUACCCAGGCAA 1601 UUGCCUGGGUAACACGCCA 1602 1154 GUUACCCAGGCAACGGGCU 1603 AGCCCGUUGCCUGGGUAAC 1604 1159 CCAGGCAACGGGCUCGGGU 1605 ACCCGAGCCCGUUGCCUGG 1606 1160 CAGGCAACGGGCUCGGGUA 1607 UACCCGAGCCCGUUGCCUG 1608 1163 GCAACGGGCUCGGGUACGU 1609 ACGUACCCGAGCCCGUUGC 1610 1164 CAACGGGCUCGGGUACGUA 1611 UACGUACCCGAGCCCGUUG 1612 1165 AACGGGCUCGGGUACGUAA 1613 UUACGUACCCGAGCCCGUU 1614 1169 GGCUCGGGUACGUAAGGCA 1615 UGCCUUACGUACCCGAGCC 1616 1172 UCGGGUACGUAAGGCACGU 1617 ACGUGCCUUACGUACCCGA 1618 1173 CGGGUACGUAAGGCACGUU 1619 AACGUGCCUUACGUACCCG 1620 1175 GGUACGUAAGGCACGUUGA 1621 UCAACGUGCCUUACGUACC 1622 1177 UACGUAAGGCACGUUGACA 1623 UGUCAACGUGCCUUACGUA 1624 1178 ACGUAAGGCACGUUGACAA 1625 UUGUCAACGUGCCUUACGU 1626 1179 CGUAAGGCACGUUGACAAU 1627 AUUGUCAACGUGCCUUACG 1628 1190 UUGACAAUCCCCACGGCGA 1629 UCGCCGUGGGGAUUGUCAA 1630 1191 UGACAAUCCCCACGGCGAU 1631 AUCGCCGUGGGGAUUGUCA 1632 1201 CACGGCGAUGGGCGCUGCA 1633 UGCAGCGCCCAUCGCCGUG 1634 1210 GGGCGCUGCAUCACCUGUA 1635 UACAGGUGAUGCAGCGCCC 1636 1211 GGCGCUGCAUCACCUGUAU 1637 AUACAGGUGAUGCAGCGCC 1638 1213 CGCUGCAUCACCUGUAUCU 1639 AGAUACAGGUGAUGCAGCG 1640 1216 UGCAUCACCUGUAUCUAUU 1641 AAUAGAUACAGGUGAUGCA 1642 1217 GCAUCACCUGUAUCUAUUA 1643 UAAUAGAUACAGGUGAUGC 1644 1220 UCACCUGUAUCUAUUACCU 1645 AGGUAAUAGAUACAGGUGA 1646 1222 ACCUGUAUCUAUUACCUGA 1647 UCAGGUAAUAGAUACAGGU 1648 1223 CCUGUAUCUAUUACCUGAA 1649 UUCAGGUAAUAGAUACAGG 1650 1226 GUAUCUAUUACCUGAAUCA 1651 UGAUUCAGGUAAUAGAUAC 1652 1228 AUCUAUUACCUGAAUCAGA 1653 UCUGAUUCAGGUAAUAGAU 1654 1231 UAUUACCUGAAUCAGAACU 1655 AGUUCUGAUUCAGGUAAUA 1656 1238 UGAAUCAGAACUGGGACGU 1657 ACGUCCCAGUUCUGAUUCA 1658 1239 GAAUCAGAACUGGGACGUU 1659 AACGUCCCAGUUCUGAUUC 1660 1240 AAUCAGAACUGGGACGUUA 1661 UAACGUCCCAGUUCUGAUU 1662 1241 AUCAGAACUGGGACGUUAA 1663 UUAACGUCCCAGUUCUGAU 1664 1244 AGAACUGGGACGUUAAGGU 1665 ACCUUAACGUCCCAGUUCU 1666 1247 ACUGGGACGUUAAGGUGCA 1667 UGCACCUUAACGUCCCAGU 1668 1248 CUGGGACGUUAAGGUGCAU 1669 AUGCACCUUAACGUCCCAG 1670 1256 UUAAGGUGCAUGGCGGCCU 1671 AGGCCGCCAUGCACCUUAA 1672 1259 AGGUGCAUGGCGGCCUGCU 1673 AGCAGGCCGCCAUGCACCU 1674 1294 GGCCGGCCCGUGGUAGCCA 1675 UGGCUACCACGGGCCGGCC 1676 1295 GCCGGCCCGUGGUAGCCAA 1677 UUGGCUACCACGGGCCGGC 1678 1297 CGGCCCGUGGUAGCCAACA 1679 UGUUGGCUACCACGGGCCG 1680 1298 GGCCCGUGGUAGCCAACAU 1681 AUGUUGGCUACCACGGGCC 1682 1309 GCCAACAUCGAGCCACUCU 1683 AGAGUGGCUCGAUGUUGGC 1684 1310 CCAACAUCGAGCCACUCUU 1685 AAGAGUGGCUCGAUGUUGG 1686 1311 CAACAUCGAGCCACUCUUU 1687 AAAGAGUGGCUCGAUGUUG 1688 1313 ACAUCGAGCCACUCUUUGA 1689 UCAAAGAGUGGCUCGAUGU 1690 1318 GAGCCACUCUUUGACCGGU 1691 ACCGGUCAAAGAGUGGCUC 1692 1319 AGCCACUCUUUGACCGGUU 1693 AACCGGUCAAAGAGUGGCU 1694 1322 CACUCUUUGACCGGUUGCU 1695 AGCAACCGGUCAAAGAGUG 1696 1324 CUCUUUGACCGGUUGCUCA 1697 UGAGCAACCGGUCAAAGAG 1698 1325 UCUUUGACCGGUUGCUCAU 1699 AUGAGCAACCGGUCAAAGA 1700 1326 CUUUGACCGGUUGCUCAUU 1701 AAUGAGCAACCGGUCAAAG 1702 1327 UUUGACCGGUUGCUCAUUU 1703 AAAUGAGCAACCGGUCAAA 1704 1330 GACCGGUUGCUCAUUUUCU 1705 AGAAAAUGAGCAACCGGUC 1706 1346 UCUGGUCUGACCGGCGGAA 1707 UUCCGCCGGUCAGACCAGA 1708 1352 CUGACCGGCGGAACCCCCA 1709 UGGGGGUUCCGCCGGUCAG 1710 1355 ACCGGCGGAACCCCCACGA 1711 UCGUGGGGGUUCCGCCGGU 1712 1358 GGCGGAACCCCCACGAGGU 1713 ACCUCGUGGGGGUUCCGCC 1714 1361 GGAACCCCCACGAGGUGAA 1715 UUCACCUCGUGGGGGUUCC 1716 1370 ACGAGGUGAAGCCAGCCUA 1717 UAGGCUGGCUUCACCUCGU 1718 1375 GUGAAGCCAGCCUAUGCCA 1719 UGGCAUAGGCUGGCUUCAC 1720 1381 CCAGCCUAUGCCACCAGGU 1721 ACCUGGUGGCAUAGGCUGG 1722 1387 UAUGCCACCAGGUACGCCA 1723 UGGCGUACCUGGUGGCAUA 1724 1388 AUGCCACCAGGUACGCCAU 1725 AUGGCGUACCUGGUGGCAU 1726 1394 CCAGGUACGCCAUCACUGU 1727 ACAGUGAUGGCGUACCUGG 1728 1396 AGGUACGCCAUCACUGUCU 1729 AGACAGUGAUGGCGUACCU 1730 1401 CGCCAUCACUGUCUGGUAU 1731 AUACCAGACAGUGAUGGCG 1732 1403 CCAUCACUGUCUGGUAUUU 1733 AAAUACCAGACAGUGAUGG 1734 1438 GCAGCAGCCAAAGACAAGU 1735 ACUUGUCUUUGGCUGCUGC 1736 1440 AGCAGCCAAAGACAAGUAU 1737 AUACUUGUCUUUGGCUGCU 1738 1442 CAGCCAAAGACAAGUAUCA 1739 UGAUACUUGUCUUUGGCUG 1740 1446 CAAAGACAAGUAUCAGCUA 1741 UAGCUGAUACUUGUCUUUG 1742 1449 AGACAAGUAUCAGCUAGCA 1743 UGCUAGCUGAUACUUGUCU 1744 1450 GACAAGUAUCAGCUAGCAU 1745 AUGCUAGCUGAUACUUGUC 1746 1452 CAAGUAUCAGCUAGCAUCA 1747 UGAUGCUAGCUGAUACUUG 1748 1455 GUAUCAGCUAGCAUCAGGA 1749 UCCUGAUGCUAGCUGAUAC 1750 1457 AUCAGCUAGCAUCAGGACA 1751 UGUCCUGAUGCUAGCUGAU 1752 1459 CAGCUAGCAUCAGGACAGA 1753 UCUGUCCUGAUGCUAGCUG 1754 1461 GCUAGCAUCAGGACAGAAA 1755 UUUCUGUCCUGAUGCUAGC 1756 1476 GAAAGGUGUCCAAGUACCU 1757 AGGUACUUGGACACCUUUC 1758 1482 UGUCCAAGUACCUGUAUCA 1759 UGAUACAGGUACUUGGACA 1760 1504 CCGCCUACGCCCACCUAGU 1761 ACUAGGUGGGCGUAGGCGG 1762 1509 UACGCCCACCUAGUGGCCA 1763 UGGCCACUAGGUGGGCGUA 1764 1517 CCUAGUGGCCAGUCCCAGA 1765 UCUGGGACUGGCCACUAGG 1766 1538 CGCAUGGCAGACAGCUUAA 1767 UUAAGCUGUCUGCCAUGCG 1768 1539 GCAUGGCAGACAGCUUAAA 1769 UUUAAGCUGUCUGCCAUGC 1770 1542 UGGCAGACAGCUUAAAUGA 1771 UCAUUUAAGCUGUCUGCCA 1772 1544 GCAGACAGCUUAAAUGACU 1773 AGUCAUUUAAGCUGUCUGC 1774 1674 AGGAGGAGAAGAGACCUUU 1775 AAAGGUCUCUUCUCCUCCU 1776 1684 GAGACCUUUGCUGCCCCAU 1777 AUGGGGCAGCAAAGGUCUC 1778 1702 UCAUGGGGGCUGGGGUUGU 1779 ACAACCCCAGCCCCCAUGA 1780 1741 GUGGAGGCCACCGUUACCA 1781 UGGUAACGGUGGCCUCCAC 1782 1742 UGGAGGCCACCGUUACCAA 1783 UUGGUAACGGUGGCCUCCA 1784 1744 GAGGCCACCGUUACCAACU 1785 AGUUGGUAACGGUGGCCUC 1786 1746 GGCCACCGUUACCAACUGA 1787 UCAGUUGGUAACGGUGGCC 1788 1774 CCUGGGUCCUACCCUGUCU 1789 AGACAGGGUAGGACCCAGG 1790 1779 GUCCUACCCUGUCUGGUCA 1791 UGACCAGACAGGGUAGGAC 1792 1782 CUACCCUGUCUGGUCAUGA 1793 UCAUGACCAGACAGGGUAG 1794 1787 CUGUCUGGUCAUGACCCCA 1795 UGGGGUCAUGACCAGACAG 1796 1788 UGUCUGGUCAUGACCCCAU 1797 AUGGGGUCAUGACCAGACA 1798 1789 GUCUGGUCAUGACCCCAUU 1799 AAUGGGGUCAUGACCAGAC 1800 1798 UGACCCCAUUAGGUAUGGA 1801 UCCAUACCUAAUGGGGUCA 1802 1800 ACCCCAUUAGGUAUGGAGA 1803 UCUCCAUACCUAAUGGGGU 1804 1807 UAGGUAUGGAGAGCUGGGA 1805 UCCCAGCUCUCCAUACCUA 1806 1820 CUGGGAGGAGGCAUUGUCA 1807 UGACAAUGCCUCCUCCCAG 1808 1823 GGAGGAGGCAUUGUCACUU 1809 AAGUGACAAUGCCUCCUCC 1810 1827 GAGGCAUUGUCACUUCCCA 1811 UGGGAAGUGACAAUGCCUC 1812 1830 GCAUUGUCACUUCCCACCA 1813 UGGUGGGAAGUGACAAUGC 1814 1856 GGACUUGGGGUUGAGGUGA 1815 UCACCUCAACCCCAAGUCC 1816 1858 ACUUGGGGUUGAGGUGAGU 1817 ACUCACCUCAACCCCAAGU 1818 1861 UGGGGUUGAGGUGAGUCAU 1819 AUGACUCACCUCAACCCCA 1820 1866 UUGAGGUGAGUCAUGGCCU 1821 AGGCCAUGACUCACCUCAA 1822 1868 GAGGUGAGUCAUGGCCUCU 1823 AGAGGCCAUGACUCACCUC 1824 1872 UGAGUCAUGGCCUCUUGCU 1825 AGCAAGAGGCCAUGACUCA 1826 1876 UCAUGGCCUCUUGCUGGCA 1827 UGCCAGCAAGAGGCCAUGA 1828 1878 AUGGCCUCUUGCUGGCAAU 1829 AUUGCCAGCAAGAGGCCAU 1830 1883 CUCUUGCUGGCAAUGGGGU 1831 ACCCCAUUGCCAGCAAGAG 1832 1893 CAAUGGGGUGGGAGGAGUA 1833 UACUCCUCCCACCCCAUUG 1834 1902 GGGAGGAGUACCCCCAAGU 1835 ACUUGGGGGUACUCCUCCC 1836 1905 AGGAGUACCCCCAAGUCCU 1837 AGGACUUGGGGGUACUCCU 1838 1931 CUCCAGCCUGGAAUGUGAA 1839 UUCACAUUCCAGGCUGGAG 1840 1933 CCAGCCUGGAAUGUGAAGU 1841 ACUUCACAUUCCAGGCUGG 1842 1942 AAUGUGAAGUGACUCCCCA 1843 UGGGGAGUCACUUCACAUU 1844 1964 CCUUUGGCCAUGGCAGGCA 1845 UGCCUGCCAUGGCCAAAGG 1846 1973 AUGGCAGGCACCUUUUGGA 1847 UCCAAAAGGUGCCUGCCAU 1848 1980 GCACCUUUUGGACUGGGCU 1849 AGCCCAGUCCAAAAGGUGC 1850 2001 CACUGCUUGGGCAGAGUAA 1851 UUACUCUGCCCAAGCAGUG 1852 2002 ACUGCUUGGGCAGAGUAAA 1853 UUUACUCUGCCCAAGCAGU 1854 2003 CUGCUUGGGCAGAGUAAAA 1855 UUUUACUCUGCCCAAGCAG 1856 2006 CUUGGGCAGAGUAAAAGGU 1857 ACCUUUUACUCUGCCCAAG 1858 2010 GGCAGAGUAAAAGGUGCCA 1859 UGGCACCUUUUACUCUGCC 1860 2077 CCUCAGAGCUGCAAAAAAA 1861 UUUUUUUGCAGCUCUGAGG 1862

TABLE 6C  Human EGNL3 Single Strands and Duplex Sequences SEQ SEQ Sense ID Antisense ID Start Sequence (5′ to 3′) NO. Sequence (5′ to 3′) NO. 6 UGGCCGCAGUCGCGGCAGU 1863 ACUGCCGCGACUGCGGCCA 1864 35 CAUCCCCAAAAGGCGCCCU 1865 AGGGCGCCUUUUGGGGAUG 1866 41 CAAAAGGCGCCCUCCGACU 1867 AGUCGGAGGGCGCCUUUUG 1868 53 UCCGACUCCUUGCGCCGCA 1869 UGCGGCGCAAGGAGUCGGA 1870 58 CUCCUUGCGCCGCACUGCU 1871 AGCAGUGCGGCGCAAGGAG 1872 75 CUCGCCGGGCCAGUCCGGA 1873 UCCGGACUGGCCCGGCGAG 1874 76 UCGCCGGGCCAGUCCGGAA 1875 UUCCGGACUGGCCCGGCGA 1876 77 CGCCGGGCCAGUCCGGAAA 1877 UUUCCGGACUGGCCCGGCG 1878 85 CAGUCCGGAAACGGGUCGU 1879 ACGACCCGUUUCCGGACUG 1880 88 UCCGGAAACGGGUCGUGGA 1881 UCCACGACCCGUUUCCGGA 1882 99 GUCGUGGAGCUCCGCACCA 1883 UGGUGCGGAGCUCCACGAC 1884 101 CGUGGAGCUCCGCACCACU 1885 AGUGGUGCGGAGCUCCACG 1886 107 GCUCCGCACCACUCCCGCU 1887 AGCGGGAGUGGUGCGGAGC 1888 111 CGCACCACUCCCGCUGGUU 1889 AACCAGCGGGAGUGGUGCG 1890 123 GCUGGUUCCCGAAGGCAGA 1891 UCUGCCUUCGGGAACCAGC 1892 129 UCCCGAAGGCAGAUCCCUU 1893 AAGGGAUCUGCCUUCGGGA 1894 138 CAGAUCCCUUCUCCCGAGA 1895 UCUCGGGAGAAGGGAUCUG 1896 140 GAUCCCUUCUCCCGAGAGU 1897 ACUCUCGGGAGAAGGGAUC 1898 141 AUCCCUUCUCCCGAGAGUU 1899 AACUCUCGGGAGAAGGGAU 1900 145 CUUCUCCCGAGAGUUGCGA 1901 UCGCAACUCUCGGGAGAAG 1902 147 UCUCCCGAGAGUUGCGAGA 1903 UCUCGCAACUCUCGGGAGA 1904 148 CUCCCGAGAGUUGCGAGAA 1905 UUCUCGCAACUCUCGGGAG 1906 149 UCCCGAGAGUUGCGAGAAA 1907 UUUCUCGCAACUCUCGGGA 1908 151 CCGAGAGUUGCGAGAAACU 1909 AGUUUCUCGCAACUCUCGG 1910 152 CGAGAGUUGCGAGAAACUU 1911 AAGUUUCUCGCAACUCUCG 1912 153 GAGAGUUGCGAGAAACUUU 1913 AAAGUUUCUCGCAACUCUC 1914 158 UUGCGAGAAACUUUCCCUU 1915 AAGGGAAAGUUUCUCGCAA 1916 160 GCGAGAAACUUUCCCUUGU 1917 ACAAGGGAAAGUUUCUCGC 1918 189 GCAGCGGCUCGGGUACCGU 1919 ACGGUACCCGAGCCGCUGC 1920 206 GUGGCAGCCGCAGGUUUCU 1921 AGAAACCUGCGGCUGCCAC 1922 208 GGCAGCCGCAGGUUUCUGA 1923 UCAGAAACCUGCGGCUGCC 1924 209 GCAGCCGCAGGUUUCUGAA 1925 UUCAGAAACCUGCGGCUGC 1926 245 CGCGCCUCGGCUUCGCGCU 1927 AGCGCGAAGCCGAGGCGCG 1928 250 CUCGGCUUCGCGCUCGUGU 1929 ACACGAGCGCGAAGCCGAG 1930 251 UCGGCUUCGCGCUCGUGUA 1931 UACACGAGCGCGAAGCCGA 1932 253 GGCUUCGCGCUCGUGUAGA 1933 UCUACACGAGCGCGAAGCC 1934 254 GCUUCGCGCUCGUGUAGAU 1935 AUCUACACGAGCGCGAAGC 1936 257 UCGCGCUCGUGUAGAUCGU 1937 ACGAUCUACACGAGCGCGA 1938 258 CGCGCUCGUGUAGAUCGUU 1939 AACGAUCUACACGAGCGCG 1940 262 CUCGUGUAGAUCGUUCCCU 1941 AGGGAACGAUCUACACGAG 1942 270 GAUCGUUCCCUCUCUGGUU 1943 AACCAGAGAGGGAACGAUC 1944 273 CGUUCCCUCUCUGGUUGCA 1945 UGCAACCAGAGAGGGAACG 1946 277 CCCUCUCUGGUUGCACGCU 1947 AGCGUGCAACCAGAGAGGG 1948 282 UCUGGUUGCACGCUGGGGA 1949 UCCCCAGCGUGCAACCAGA 1950 283 CUGGUUGCACGCUGGGGAU 1951 AUCCCCAGCGUGCAACCAG 1952 295 UGGGGAUCCCGGACCUCGA 1953 UCGAGGUCCGGGAUCCCCA 1954 296 GGGGAUCCCGGACCUCGAU 1955 AUCGAGGUCCGGGAUCCCC 1956 299 GAUCCCGGACCUCGAUUCU 1957 AGAAUCGAGGUCCGGGAUC 1958 307 ACCUCGAUUCUGCGGGCGA 1959 UCGCCCGCAGAAUCGAGGU 1960 309 CUCGAUUCUGCGGGCGAGA 1961 UCUCGCCCGCAGAAUCGAG 1962 355 ACCUGGAGAAAAUUGCCCU 1963 AGGGCAAUUUUCUCCAGGU 1964 367 UUGCCCUGGAGUACAUCGU 1965 ACGAUGUACUCCAGGGCAA 1966 376 AGUACAUCGUGCCCUGUCU 1967 AGACAGGGCACGAUGUACU 1968 382 UCGUGCCCUGUCUGCACGA 1969 UCGUGCAGACAGGGCACGA 1970 390 UGUCUGCACGAGGUGGGCU 1971 AGCCCACCUCGUGCAGACA 1972 451 GCGUCCUGGAGCGCGUCAA 1973 UUGACGCGCUCCAGGACGC 1974 521 CGCCGGCGUCUCCAAGCGA 1975 UCGCUUGGAGACGCCGGCG 1976 526 GCGUCUCCAAGCGACACCU 1977 AGGUGUCGCUUGGAGACGC 1978 538 GACACCUGCGGGGCGACCA 1979 UGGUCGCCCCGCAGGUGUC 1980 540 CACCUGCGGGGCGACCAGA 1981 UCUGGUCGCCCCGCAGGUG 1982 559 UCACGUGGAUCGGGGGCAA 1983 UUGCCCCCGAUCCACGUGA 1984 565 GGAUCGGGGGCAACGAGGA 1985 UCCUCGUUGCCCCCGAUCC 1986 619 UCGACAGGCUGGUCCUCUA 1987 UAGAGGACCAGCCUGUCGA 1988 621 GACAGGCUGGUCCUCUACU 1989 AGUAGAGGACCAGCCUGUC 1990 627 CUGGUCCUCUACUGCGGGA 1991 UCCCGCAGUAGAGGACCAG 1992 643 GGAGCCGGCUGGGCAAAUA 1993 UAUUUGCCCAGCCGGCUCC 1994 646 GCCGGCUGGGCAAAUACUA 1995 UAGUAUUUGCCCAGCCGGC 1996 649 GGCUGGGCAAAUACUACGU 1997 ACGUAGUAUUUGCCCAGCC 1998 651 CUGGGCAAAUACUACGUCA 1999 UGACGUAGUAUUUGCCCAG 2000 652 UGGGCAAAUACUACGUCAA 2001 UUGACGUAGUAUUUGCCCA 2002 655 GCAAAUACUACGUCAAGGA 2003 UCCUUGACGUAGUAUUUGC 2004 662 CUACGUCAAGGAGAGGUCU 2005 AGACCUCUCCUUGACGUAG 2006 663 UACGUCAAGGAGAGGUCUA 2007 UAGACCUCUCCUUGACGUA 2008 668 CAAGGAGAGGUCUAAGGCA 2009 UGCCUUAGACCUCUCCUUG 2010 673 AGAGGUCUAAGGCAAUGGU 2011 ACCAUUGCCUUAGACCUCU 2012 678 UCUAAGGCAAUGGUGGCUU 2013 AAGCCACCAUUGCCUUAGA 2014 681 AAGGCAAUGGUGGCUUGCU 2015 AGCAAGCCACCAUUGCCUU 2016 682 AGGCAAUGGUGGCUUGCUA 2017 UAGCAAGCCACCAUUGCCU 2018 683 GGCAAUGGUGGCUUGCUAU 2019 AUAGCAAGCCACCAUUGCC 2020 690 GUGGCUUGCUAUCCGGGAA 2021 UUCCCGGAUAGCAAGCCAC 2022 691 UGGCUUGCUAUCCGGGAAA 2023 UUUCCCGGAUAGCAAGCCA 2024 692 GGCUUGCUAUCCGGGAAAU 2025 AUUUCCCGGAUAGCAAGCC 2026 696 UGCUAUCCGGGAAAUGGAA 2027 UUCCAUUUCCCGGAUAGCA 2028 702 CCGGGAAAUGGAACAGGUU 2029 AACCUGUUCCAUUUCCCGG 2030 704 GGGAAAUGGAACAGGUUAU 2031 AUAACCUGUUCCAUUUCCC 2032 712 GAACAGGUUAUGUUCGCCA 2033 UGGCGAACAUAACCUGUUC 2034 715 CAGGUUAUGUUCGCCACGU 2035 ACGUGGCGAACAUAACCUG 2036 718 GUUAUGUUCGCCACGUGGA 2037 UCCACGUGGCGAACAUAAC 2038 720 UAUGUUCGCCACGUGGACA 2039 UGUCCACGUGGCGAACAUA 2040 721 AUGUUCGCCACGUGGACAA 2041 UUGUCCACGUGGCGAACAU 2042 726 CGCCACGUGGACAACCCCA 2043 UGGGGUUGUCCACGUGGCG 2044 731 CGUGGACAACCCCAACGGU 2045 ACCGUUGGGGUUGUCCACG 2046 734 GGACAACCCCAACGGUGAU 2047 AUCACCGUUGGGGUUGUCC 2048 737 CAACCCCAACGGUGAUGGU 2049 ACCAUCACCGUUGGGGUUG 2050 741 CCCAACGGUGAUGGUCGCU 2051 AGCGACCAUCACCGUUGGG 2052 744 AACGGUGAUGGUCGCUGCA 2053 UGCAGCGACCAUCACCGUU 2054 765 ACCUGCAUCUACUAUCUGA 2055 UCAGAUAGUAGAUGCAGGU 2056 766 CCUGCAUCUACUAUCUGAA 2057 UUCAGAUAGUAGAUGCAGG 2058 787 AGAAUUGGGAUGCCAAGCU 2059 AGCUUGGCAUCCCAAUUCU 2060 788 GAAUUGGGAUGCCAAGCUA 2061 UAGCUUGGCAUCCCAAUUC 2062 790 AUUGGGAUGCCAAGCUACA 2063 UGUAGCUUGGCAUCCCAAU 2064 802 AGCUACAUGGUGGGAUCCU 2065 AGGAUCCCACCAUGUAGCU 2066 808 AUGGUGGGAUCCUGCGGAU 2067 AUCCGCAGGAUCCCACCAU 2068 809 UGGUGGGAUCCUGCGGAUA 2069 UAUCCGCAGGAUCCCACCA 2070 810 GGUGGGAUCCUGCGGAUAU 2071 AUAUCCGCAGGAUCCCACC 2072 811 GUGGGAUCCUGCGGAUAUU 2073 AAUAUCCGCAGGAUCCCAC 2074 812 UGGGAUCCUGCGGAUAUUU 2075 AAAUAUCCGCAGGAUCCCA 2076 815 GAUCCUGCGGAUAUUUCCA 2077 UGGAAAUAUCCGCAGGAUC 2078 817 UCCUGCGGAUAUUUCCAGA 2079 UCUGGAAAUAUCCGCAGGA 2080 822 CGGAUAUUUCCAGAGGGGA 2081 UCCCCUCUGGAAAUAUCCG 2082 833 AGAGGGGAAAUCAUUCAUA 2083 UAUGAAUGAUUUCCCCUCU 2084 836 GGGGAAAUCAUUCAUAGCA 2085 UGCUAUGAAUGAUUUCCCC 2086 839 GAAAUCAUUCAUAGCAGAU 2087 AUCUGCUAUGAAUGAUUUC 2088 858 GUGGAGCCCAUUUUUGACA 2089 UGUCAAAAAUGGGCUCCAC 2090 860 GGAGCCCAUUUUUGACAGA 2091 UCUGUCAAAAAUGGGCUCC 2092 862 AGCCCAUUUUUGACAGACU 2093 AGUCUGUCAAAAAUGGGCU 2094 868 UUUUUGACAGACUCCUGUU 2095 AACAGGAGUCUGUCAAAAA 2096 871 UUGACAGACUCCUGUUCUU 2097 AAGAACAGGAGUCUGUCAA 2098 873 GACAGACUCCUGUUCUUCU 2099 AGAAGAACAGGAGUCUGUC 2100 881 CCUGUUCUUCUGGUCAGAU 2101 AUCUGACCAGAAGAACAGG 2102 884 GUUCUUCUGGUCAGAUCGU 2103 ACGAUCUGACCAGAAGAAC 2104 885 UUCUUCUGGUCAGAUCGUA 2105 UACGAUCUGACCAGAAGAA 2106 888 UUCUGGUCAGAUCGUAGGA 2107 UCCUACGAUCUGACCAGAA 2108 889 UCUGGUCAGAUCGUAGGAA 2109 UUCCUACGAUCUGACCAGA 2110 893 GUCAGAUCGUAGGAACCCA 2111 UGGGUUCCUACGAUCUGAC 2112 895 CAGAUCGUAGGAACCCACA 2113 UGUGGGUUCCUACGAUCUG 2114 898 AUCGUAGGAACCCACACGA 2115 UCGUGUGGGUUCCUACGAU 2116 899 UCGUAGGAACCCACACGAA 2117 UUCGUGUGGGUUCCUACGA 2118 901 GUAGGAACCCACACGAAGU 2119 ACUUCGUGUGGGUUCCUAC 2120 904 GGAACCCACACGAAGUGCA 2121 UGCACUUCGUGUGGGUUCC 2122 917 AGUGCAGCCCUCUUACGCA 2123 UGCGUAAGAGGGCUGCACU 2124 918 GUGCAGCCCUCUUACGCAA 2125 UUGCGUAAGAGGGCUGCAC 2126 921 CAGCCCUCUUACGCAACCA 2127 UGGUUGCGUAAGAGGGCUG 2128 923 GCCCUCUUACGCAACCAGA 2129 UCUGGUUGCGUAAGAGGGC 2130 926 CUCUUACGCAACCAGAUAU 2131 AUAUCUGGUUGCGUAAGAG 2132 929 UUACGCAACCAGAUAUGCU 2133 AGCAUAUCUGGUUGCGUAA 2134 933 GCAACCAGAUAUGCUAUGA 2135 UCAUAGCAUAUCUGGUUGC 2136 935 AACCAGAUAUGCUAUGACU 2137 AGUCAUAGCAUAUCUGGUU 2138 937 CCAGAUAUGCUAUGACUGU 2139 ACAGUCAUAGCAUAUCUGG 2140 942 UAUGCUAUGACUGUCUGGU 2141 ACCAGACAGUCAUAGCAUA 2142 943 AUGCUAUGACUGUCUGGUA 2143 UACCAGACAGUCAUAGCAU 2144 946 CUAUGACUGUCUGGUACUU 2145 AAGUACCAGACAGUCAUAG 2146 955 UCUGGUACUUUGAUGCUGA 2147 UCAGCAUCAAAGUACCAGA 2148 974 AGAAAGGGCAGAAGCCAAA 2149 UUUGGCUUCUGCCCUUUCU 2150 978 AGGGCAGAAGCCAAAAAGA 2151 UCUUUUUGGCUUCUGCCCU 2152 995 GAAAUUCAGGAAUUUAACU 2153 AGUUAAAUUCCUGAAUUUC 2154 996 AAAUUCAGGAAUUUAACUA 2155 UAGUUAAAUUCCUGAAUUU 2156 999 UUCAGGAAUUUAACUAGGA 2157 UCCUAGUUAAAUUCCUGAA 2158 1000 UCAGGAAUUUAACUAGGAA 2159 UUCCUAGUUAAAUUCCUGA 2160 1002 AGGAAUUUAACUAGGAAAA 2161 UUUUCCUAGUUAAAUUCCU 2162 1007 UUUAACUAGGAAAACUGAA 2163 UUCAGUUUUCCUAGUUAAA 2164 1015 GGAAAACUGAAUCUGCCCU 2165 AGGGCAGAUUCAGUUUUCC 2166 1019 AACUGAAUCUGCCCUCACU 2167 AGUGAGGGCAGAUUCAGUU 2168 1022 UGAAUCUGCCCUCACUGAA 2169 UUCAGUGAGGGCAGAUUCA 2170 1032 CUCACUGAAGACUGACCGU 2171 ACGGUCAGUCUUCAGUGAG 2172 1037 UGAAGACUGACCGUGCUCU 2173 AGAGCACGGUCAGUCUUCA 2174 1039 AAGACUGACCGUGCUCUGA 2175 UCAGAGCACGGUCAGUCUU 2176 1040 AGACUGACCGUGCUCUGAA 2177 UUCAGAGCACGGUCAGUCU 2178 1044 UGACCGUGCUCUGAAAUCU 2179 AGAUUUCAGAGCACGGUCA 2180 1052 CUCUGAAAUCUGCUGGCCU 2181 AGGCCAGCAGAUUUCAGAG 2182 1053 UCUGAAAUCUGCUGGCCUU 2183 AAGGCCAGCAGAUUUCAGA 2184 1060 UCUGCUGGCCUUGUUCAUU 2185 AAUGAACAAGGCCAGCAGA 2186 1062 UGCUGGCCUUGUUCAUUUU 2187 AAAAUGAACAAGGCCAGCA 2188 1071 UGUUCAUUUUAGUAACGGU 2189 ACCGUUACUAAAAUGAACA 2190 1072 GUUCAUUUUAGUAACGGUU 2191 AACCGUUACUAAAAUGAAC 2192 1075 CAUUUUAGUAACGGUUCCU 2193 AGGAACCGUUACUAAAAUG 2194 1078 UUUAGUAACGGUUCCUGAA 2195 UUCAGGAACCGUUACUAAA 2196 1079 UUAGUAACGGUUCCUGAAU 2197 AUUCAGGAACCGUUACUAA 2198 1080 UAGUAACGGUUCCUGAAUU 2199 AAUUCAGGAACCGUUACUA 2200 1082 GUAACGGUUCCUGAAUUCU 2201 AGAAUUCAGGAACCGUUAC 2202 1084 AACGGUUCCUGAAUUCUCU 2203 AGAGAAUUCAGGAACCGUU 2204 1088 GUUCCUGAAUUCUCUUAAA 2205 UUUAAGAGAAUUCAGGAAC 2206 1092 CUGAAUUCUCUUAAAUUCU 2207 AGAAUUUAAGAGAAUUCAG 2208 1112 UGAGAUCCAAAGAUGGCCU 2209 AGGCCAUCUUUGGAUCUCA 2210 1115 GAUCCAAAGAUGGCCUCUU 2211 AAGAGGCCAUCUUUGGAUC 2212 1119 CAAAGAUGGCCUCUUCAGU 2213 ACUGAAGAGGCCAUCUUUG 2214 1137 UGACAACAAUCUCCCUGCU 2215 AGCAGGGAGAUUGUUGUCA 2216 1141 AACAAUCUCCCUGCUACUU 2217 AAGUAGCAGGGAGAUUGUU 2218 1148 UCCCUGCUACUUCUUGCAU 2219 AUGCAAGAAGUAGCAGGGA 2220 1151 CUGCUACUUCUUGCAUCCU 2221 AGGAUGCAAGAAGUAGCAG 2222 1152 UGCUACUUCUUGCAUCCUU 2223 AAGGAUGCAAGAAGUAGCA 2224 1176 CCCUGUCUUGUGUGUGGUA 2225 UACCACACACAAGACAGGG 2226 1181 UCUUGUGUGUGGUACUUCA 2227 UGAAGUACCACACACAAGA 2228 1182 CUUGUGUGUGGUACUUCAU 2229 AUGAAGUACCACACACAAG 2230 1186 UGUGUGGUACUUCAUGUUU 2231 AAACAUGAAGUACCACACA 2232 1194 ACUUCAUGUUUUCUUGCCA 2233 UGGCAAGAAAACAUGAAGU 2234 1201 GUUUUCUUGCCAAGACUGU 2235 ACAGUCUUGGCAAGAAAAC 2236 1204 UUCUUGCCAAGACUGUGUU 2237 AACACAGUCUUGGCAAGAA 2238 1218 GUGUUGAUCUUCAGAUACU 2239 AGUAUCUGAAGAUCAACAC 2240 1222 UGAUCUUCAGAUACUCUCU 2241 AGAGAGUAUCUGAAGAUCA 2242 1228 UCAGAUACUCUCUUUGCCA 2243 UGGCAAAGAGAGUAUCUGA 2244 1230 AGAUACUCUCUUUGCCAGA 2245 UCUGGCAAAGAGAGUAUCU 2246 1233 UACUCUCUUUGCCAGAUGA 2247 UCAUCUGGCAAAGAGAGUA 2248 1234 ACUCUCUUUGCCAGAUGAA 2249 UUCAUCUGGCAAAGAGAGU 2250 1241 UUGCCAGAUGAAGUUACUU 2251 AAGUAACUUCAUCUGGCAA 2252 1245 CAGAUGAAGUUACUUGCUA 2253 UAGCAAGUAACUUCAUCUG 2254 1246 AGAUGAAGUUACUUGCUAA 2255 UUAGCAAGUAACUUCAUCU 2256 1248 AUGAAGUUACUUGCUAACU 2257 AGUUAGCAAGUAACUUCAU 2258 1251 AAGUUACUUGCUAACUCCA 2259 UGGAGUUAGCAAGUAACUU 2260 1255 UACUUGCUAACUCCAGAAA 2261 UUUCUGGAGUUAGCAAGUA 2262 1260 GCUAACUCCAGAAAUUCCU 2263 AGGAAUUUCUGGAGUUAGC 2264 1272 AAUUCCUGCAGACAUCCUA 2265 UAGGAUGUCUGCAGGAAUU 2266 1274 UUCCUGCAGACAUCCUACU 2267 AGUAGGAUGUCUGCAGGAA 2268 1287 CCUACUCGGCCAGCGGUUU 2269 AAACCGCUGGCCGAGUAGG 2270 1288 CUACUCGGCCAGCGGUUUA 2271 UAAACCGCUGGCCGAGUAG 2272 1291 CUCGGCCAGCGGUUUACCU 2273 AGGUAAACCGCUGGCCGAG 2274 1294 GGCCAGCGGUUUACCUGAU 2275 AUCAGGUAAACCGCUGGCC 2276 1295 GCCAGCGGUUUACCUGAUA 2277 UAUCAGGUAAACCGCUGGC 2278 1297 CAGCGGUUUACCUGAUAGA 2279 UCUAUCAGGUAAACCGCUG 2280 1298 AGCGGUUUACCUGAUAGAU 2281 AUCUAUCAGGUAAACCGCU 2282 1299 GCGGUUUACCUGAUAGAUU 2283 AAUCUAUCAGGUAAACCGC 2284 1303 UUUACCUGAUAGAUUCGGU 2285 ACCGAAUCUAUCAGGUAAA 2286 1304 UUACCUGAUAGAUUCGGUA 2287 UACCGAAUCUAUCAGGUAA 2288 1305 UACCUGAUAGAUUCGGUAA 2289 UUACCGAAUCUAUCAGGUA 2290 1306 ACCUGAUAGAUUCGGUAAU 2291 AUUACCGAAUCUAUCAGGU 2292 1307 CCUGAUAGAUUCGGUAAUA 2293 UAUUACCGAAUCUAUCAGG 2294 1309 UGAUAGAUUCGGUAAUACU 2295 AGUAUUACCGAAUCUAUCA 2296 1310 GAUAGAUUCGGUAAUACUA 2297 UAGUAUUACCGAAUCUAUC 2298 1313 AGAUUCGGUAAUACUAUCA 2299 UGAUAGUAUUACCGAAUCU 2300 1325 ACUAUCAAGAGAAGAGCCU 2301 AGGCUCUUCUCUUGAUAGU 2302 1329 UCAAGAGAAGAGCCUAGGA 2303 UCCUAGGCUCUUCUCUUGA 2304 1344 AGGAGCACAGCGAGGGAAU 2305 AUUCCCUCGCUGUGCUCCU 2306 1346 GAGCACAGCGAGGGAAUGA 2307 UCAUUCCCUCGCUGUGCUC 2308 1347 AGCACAGCGAGGGAAUGAA 2309 UUCAUUCCCUCGCUGUGCU 2310 1350 ACAGCGAGGGAAUGAACCU 2311 AGGUUCAUUCCCUCGCUGU 2312 1351 CAGCGAGGGAAUGAACCUU 2313 AAGGUUCAUUCCCUCGCUG 2314 1352 AGCGAGGGAAUGAACCUUA 2315 UAAGGUUCAUUCCCUCGCU 2316 1360 AAUGAACCUUACUUGCACU 2317 AGUGCAAGUAAGGUUCAUU 2318 1361 AUGAACCUUACUUGCACUU 2319 AAGUGCAAGUAAGGUUCAU 2320 1362 UGAACCUUACUUGCACUUU 2321 AAAGUGCAAGUAAGGUUCA 2322 1367 CUUACUUGCACUUUAUGUA 2323 UACAUAAAGUGCAAGUAAG 2324 1368 UUACUUGCACUUUAUGUAU 2325 AUACAUAAAGUGCAAGUAA 2326 1375 CACUUUAUGUAUACUUCCU 2327 AGGAAGUAUACAUAAAGUG 2328 1378 UUUAUGUAUACUUCCUGAU 2329 AUCAGGAAGUAUACAUAAA 2330 1379 UUAUGUAUACUUCCUGAUU 2331 AAUCAGGAAGUAUACAUAA 2332 1383 GUAUACUUCCUGAUUUGAA 2333 UUCAAAUCAGGAAGUAUAC 2334 1384 UAUACUUCCUGAUUUGAAA 2335 UUUCAAAUCAGGAAGUAUA 2336 1395 AUUUGAAAGGAGGAGGUUU 2337 AAACCUCCUCCUUUCAAAU 2338 1397 UUGAAAGGAGGAGGUUUGA 2339 UCAAACCUCCUCCUUUCAA 2340 1419 GAAAAAAAUGGAGGUGGUA 2341 UACCACCUCCAUUUUUUUC 2342 1422 AAAAAUGGAGGUGGUAGAU 2343 AUCUACCACCUCCAUUUUU 2344 1428 GGAGGUGGUAGAUGCCACA 2345 UGUGGCAUCUACCACCUCC 2346 1436 UAGAUGCCACAGAGAGGCA 2347 UGCCUCUCUGUGGCAUCUA 2348 1443 CACAGAGAGGCAUCACGGA 2349 UCCGUGAUGCCUCUCUGUG 2350 1451 GGCAUCACGGAAGCCUUAA 2351 UUAAGGCUUCCGUGAUGCC 2352 1453 CAUCACGGAAGCCUUAACA 2353 UGUUAAGGCUUCCGUGAUG 2354 1456 CACGGAAGCCUUAACAGCA 2355 UGCUGUUAAGGCUUCCGUG 2356 1476 GAAACAGAGAAAUUUGUGU 2357 ACACAAAUUUCUCUGUUUC 2358 1487 AUUUGUGUCAUCUGAACAA 2359 UUGUUCAGAUGACACAAAU 2360 1499 UGAACAAUUUCCAGAUGUU 2361 AACAUCUGGAAAUUGUUCA 2362 1501 AACAAUUUCCAGAUGUUCU 2363 AGAACAUCUGGAAAUUGUU 2364 1502 ACAAUUUCCAGAUGUUCUU 2365 AAGAACAUCUGGAAAUUGU 2366 1504 AAUUUCCAGAUGUUCUUAA 2367 UUAAGAACAUCUGGAAAUU 2368 1513 AUGUUCUUAAUCCAGGGCU 2369 AGCCCUGGAUUAAGAACAU 2370 1534 UGGGGUUUCUGGAGAAUUA 2371 UAAUUCUCCAGAAACCCCA 2372 1539 UUUCUGGAGAAUUAUCACA 2373 UGUGAUAAUUCUCCAGAAA 2374 1543 UGGAGAAUUAUCACAACCU 2375 AGGUUGUGAUAAUUCUCCA 2376 1544 GGAGAAUUAUCACAACCUA 2377 UAGGUUGUGAUAAUUCUCC 2378 1545 GAGAAUUAUCACAACCUAA 2379 UUAGGUUGUGAUAAUUCUC 2380 1546 AGAAUUAUCACAACCUAAU 2381 AUUAGGUUGUGAUAAUUCU 2382 1548 AAUUAUCACAACCUAAUGA 2383 UCAUUAGGUUGUGAUAAUU 2384 1552 AUCACAACCUAAUGACAUU 2385 AAUGUCAUUAGGUUGUGAU 2386 1553 UCACAACCUAAUGACAUUA 2387 UAAUGUCAUUAGGUUGUGA 2388 1559 CCUAAUGACAUUAAUACCU 2389 AGGUAUUAAUGUCAUUAGG 2390 1561 UAAUGACAUUAAUACCUCU 2391 AGAGGUAUUAAUGUCAUUA 2392 1565 GACAUUAAUACCUCUAGAA 2393 UUCUAGAGGUAUUAAUGUC 2394 1571 AAUACCUCUAGAAAGGGCU 2395 AGCCCUUUCUAGAGGUAUU 2396 1582 AAAGGGCUGCUGUCAUAGU 2397 ACUAUGACAGCAGCCCUUU 2398 1584 AGGGCUGCUGUCAUAGUGA 2399 UCACUAUGACAGCAGCCCU 2400 1585 GGGCUGCUGUCAUAGUGAA 2401 UUCACUAUGACAGCAGCCC 2402 1587 GCUGCUGUCAUAGUGAACA 2403 UGUUCACUAUGACAGCAGC 2404 1589 UGCUGUCAUAGUGAACAAU 2405 AUUGUUCACUAUGACAGCA 2406 1594 UCAUAGUGAACAAUUUAUA 2407 UAUAAAUUGUUCACUAUGA 2408 1595 CAUAGUGAACAAUUUAUAA 2409 UUAUAAAUUGUUCACUAUG 2410 1610 AUAAGUGUCCCAUGGGGCA 2411 UGCCCCAUGGGACACUUAU 2412 1620 CAUGGGGCAGACACUCCUU 2413 AAGGAGUGUCUGCCCCAUG 2414 1621 AUGGGGCAGACACUCCUUU 2415 AAAGGAGUGUCUGCCCCAU 2416 1623 GGGGCAGACACUCCUUUUU 2417 AAAAAGGAGUGUCUGCCCC 2418 1624 GGGCAGACACUCCUUUUUU 2419 AAAAAAGGAGUGUCUGCCC 2420 1636 CUUUUUUCCCAGUCCUGCA 2421 UGCAGGACUGGGAAAAAAG 2422 1640 UUUCCCAGUCCUGCAACCU 2423 AGGUUGCAGGACUGGGAAA 2424 1645 CAGUCCUGCAACCUGGAUU 2425 AAUCCAGGUUGCAGGACUG 2426 1647 GUCCUGCAACCUGGAUUUU 2427 AAAAUCCAGGUUGCAGGAC 2428 1653 CAACCUGGAUUUUCUGCCU 2429 AGGCAGAAAAUCCAGGUUG 2430 1670 CUCAGCCCCAUUUUGCUGA 2431 UCAGCAAAAUGGGGCUGAG 2432 1694 AUGACUUUCUGAAUAAAGA 2433 UCUUUAUUCAGAAAGUCAU 2434 1695 UGACUUUCUGAAUAAAGAU 2435 AUCUUUAUUCAGAAAGUCA 2436 1704 GAAUAAAGAUGGCAACACA 2437 UGUGUUGCCAUCUUUAUUC 2438 1732 CCAUUUUCAGUUCUUACCU 2439 AGGUAAGAACUGAAAAUGG 2440 1736 UUUCAGUUCUUACCUGGGA 2441 UCCCAGGUAAGAACUGAAA 2442 1737 UUCAGUUCUUACCUGGGAA 2443 UUCCCAGGUAAGAACUGAA 2444 1741 GUUCUUACCUGGGAACCUA 2445 UAGGUUCCCAGGUAAGAAC 2446 1742 UUCUUACCUGGGAACCUAA 2447 UUAGGUUCCCAGGUAAGAA 2448 1743 UCUUACCUGGGAACCUAAU 2449 AUUAGGUUCCCAGGUAAGA 2450 1744 CUUACCUGGGAACCUAAUU 2451 AAUUAGGUUCCCAGGUAAG 2452 1749 CUGGGAACCUAAUUCCCCA 2453 UGGGGAAUUAGGUUCCCAG 2454 1751 GGGAACCUAAUUCCCCAGA 2455 UCUGGGGAAUUAGGUUCCC 2456 1752 GGAACCUAAUUCCCCAGAA 2457 UUCUGGGGAAUUAGGUUCC 2458 1757 CUAAUUCCCCAGAAGCUAA 2459 UUAGCUUCUGGGGAAUUAG 2460 1758 UAAUUCCCCAGAAGCUAAA 2461 UUUAGCUUCUGGGGAAUUA 2462 1759 AAUUCCCCAGAAGCUAAAA 2463 UUUUAGCUUCUGGGGAAUU 2464 1760 AUUCCCCAGAAGCUAAAAA 2465 UUUUUAGCUUCUGGGGAAU 2466 1763 CCCCAGAAGCUAAAAAACU 2467 AGUUUUUUAGCUUCUGGGG 2468 1764 CCCAGAAGCUAAAAAACUA 2469 UAGUUUUUUAGCUUCUGGG 2470 1776 AAAACUAGACAUUAGUUGU 2471 ACAACUAAUGUCUAGUUUU 2472 1777 AAACUAGACAUUAGUUGUU 2473 AACAACUAAUGUCUAGUUU 2474 1778 AACUAGACAUUAGUUGUUU 2475 AAACAACUAAUGUCUAGUU 2476 1779 ACUAGACAUUAGUUGUUUU 2477 AAAACAACUAAUGUCUAGU 2478 1782 AGACAUUAGUUGUUUUGGU 2479 ACCAAAACAACUAAUGUCU 2480 1783 GACAUUAGUUGUUUUGGUU 2481 AACCAAAACAACUAAUGUC 2482 1788 UAGUUGUUUUGGUUGCUUU 2483 AAAGCAACCAAAACAACUA 2484 1791 UUGUUUUGGUUGCUUUGUU 2485 AACAAAGCAACCAAAACAA 2486 1844 AUAUCCCUGGUAGUUUUGU 2487 ACAAAACUACCAGGGAUAU 2488 1847 UCCCUGGUAGUUUUGUGUU 2489 AACACAAAACUACCAGGGA 2490 1849 CCUGGUAGUUUUGUGUUAA 2491 UUAACACAAAACUACCAGG 2492 1854 UAGUUUUGUGUUAACCACU 2493 AGUGGUUAACACAAAACUA 2494 1861 GUGUUAACCACUGAUAACU 2495 AGUUAUCAGUGGUUAACAC 2496 1863 GUUAACCACUGAUAACUGU 2497 ACAGUUAUCAGUGGUUAAC 2498 1868 CCACUGAUAACUGUGGAAA 2499 UUUCCACAGUUAUCAGUGG 2500 1870 ACUGAUAACUGUGGAAAGA 2501 UCUUUCCACAGUUAUCAGU 2502 1882 GGAAAGAGCUAGGUCUACU 2503 AGUAGACCUAGCUCUUUCC 2504 1888 AGCUAGGUCUACUGAUAUA 2505 UAUAUCAGUAGACCUAGCU 2506 1890 CUAGGUCUACUGAUAUACA 2507 UGUAUAUCAGUAGACCUAG 2508 1893 GGUCUACUGAUAUACAAUA 2509 UAUUGUAUAUCAGUAGACC 2510 1894 GUCUACUGAUAUACAAUAA 2511 UUAUUGUAUAUCAGUAGAC 2512 1895 UCUACUGAUAUACAAUAAA 2513 UUUAUUGUAUAUCAGUAGA 2514 1897 UACUGAUAUACAAUAAACA 2515 UGUUUAUUGUAUAUCAGUA 2516 1905 UACAAUAAACAUGUGUGCA 2517 UGCACACAUGUUUAUUGUA 2518 1911 AAACAUGUGUGCAUCUUGA 2519 UCAAGAUGCACACAUGUUU 2520 1915 AUGUGUGCAUCUUGAACAA 2521 UUGUUCAAGAUGCACACAU 2522 1916 UGUGUGCAUCUUGAACAAU 2523 AUUGUUCAAGAUGCACACA 2524 1917 GUGUGCAUCUUGAACAAUU 2525 AAUUGUUCAAGAUGCACAC 2526 1922 CAUCUUGAACAAUUUGAGA 2527 UCUCAAAUUGUUCAAGAUG 2528 1927 UGAACAAUUUGAGAGGGGA 2529 UCCCCUCUCAAAUUGUUCA 2530 1930 ACAAUUUGAGAGGGGAGGU 2531 ACCUCCCCUCUCAAAUUGU 2532 1954 UGGAAAUGUGGGUGUUCCU 2533 AGGAACACCCACAUUUCCA 2534 1958 AAUGUGGGUGUUCCUGUUU 2535 AAACAGGAACACCCACAUU 2536 1962 UGGGUGUUCCUGUUUUUUU 2537 AAAAAAACAGGAACACCCA 2538 2007 UUAAUGAGCUCACCCUUUA 2539 UAAAGGGUGAGCUCAUUAA 2540 2008 UAAUGAGCUCACCCUUUAA 2541 UUAAAGGGUGAGCUCAUUA 2542 2010 AUGAGCUCACCCUUUAACA 2543 UGUUAAAGGGUGAGCUCAU 2544 2012 GAGCUCACCCUUUAACACA 2545 UGUGUUAAAGGGUGAGCUC 2546 2014 GCUCACCCUUUAACACAAA 2547 UUUGUGUUAAAGGGUGAGC 2548 2016 UCACCCUUUAACACAAAAA 2549 UUUUUGUGUUAAAGGGUGA 2550 2017 CACCCUUUAACACAAAAAA 2551 UUUUUUGUGUUAAAGGGUG 2552 2021 CUUUAACACAAAAAAAGCA 2553 UGCUUUUUUUGUGUUAAAG 2554 2028 ACAAAAAAAGCAAGGUGAU 2555 AUCACCUUGCUUUUUUUGU 2556 2044 GAUGUAUUUUAAAAAAGGA 2557 UCCUUUUUUAAAAUACAUC 2558 2060 GGAAGUGGAAAUAAAAAAA 2559 UUUUUUUAUUUCCACUUCC 2560 2072 AAAAAAAUCUCAAAGCUAU 2561 AUAGCUUUGAGAUUUUUUU 2562 2073 AAAAAAUCUCAAAGCUAUU 2563 AAUAGCUUUGAGAUUUUUU 2564 2081 UCAAAGCUAUUUGAGUUCU 2565 AGAACUCAAAUAGCUUUGA 2566 2084 AAGCUAUUUGAGUUCUCGU 2567 ACGAGAACUCAAAUAGCUU 2568 2086 GCUAUUUGAGUUCUCGUCU 2569 AGACGAGAACUCAAAUAGC 2570 2098 CUCGUCUGUCCCUAGCAGU 2571 ACUGCUAGGGACAGACGAG 2572 2100 CGUCUGUCCCUAGCAGUCU 2573 AGACUGCUAGGGACAGACG 2574 2105 GUCCCUAGCAGUCUUUCUU 2575 AAGAAAGACUGCUAGGGAC 2576 2121 CUUCAGCUCACUUGGCUCU 2577 AGAGCCAAGUGAGCUGAAG 2578 2123 UCAGCUCACUUGGCUCUCU 2579 AGAGAGCCAAGUGAGCUGA 2580 2124 CAGCUCACUUGGCUCUCUA 2581 UAGAGAGCCAAGUGAGCUG 2582 2132 UUGGCUCUCUAGAUCCACU 2583 AGUGGAUCUAGAGAGCCAA 2584 2134 GGCUCUCUAGAUCCACUGU 2585 ACAGUGGAUCUAGAGAGCC 2586 2137 UCUCUAGAUCCACUGUGGU 2587 ACCACAGUGGAUCUAGAGA 2588 2142 AGAUCCACUGUGGUUGGCA 2589 UGCCAACCACAGUGGAUCU 2590 2144 AUCCACUGUGGUUGGCAGU 2591 ACUGCCAACCACAGUGGAU 2592 2145 UCCACUGUGGUUGGCAGUA 2593 UACUGCCAACCACAGUGGA 2594 2146 CCACUGUGGUUGGCAGUAU 2595 AUACUGCCAACCACAGUGG 2596 2155 UUGGCAGUAUGACCAGAAU 2597 AUUCUGGUCAUACUGCCAA 2598 2157 GGCAGUAUGACCAGAAUCA 2599 UGAUUCUGGUCAUACUGCC 2600 2161 GUAUGACCAGAAUCAUGGA 2601 UCCAUGAUUCUGGUCAUAC 2602 2171 AAUCAUGGAAUUUGCUAGA 2603 UCUAGCAAAUUCCAUGAUU 2604 2172 AUCAUGGAAUUUGCUAGAA 2605 UUCUAGCAAAUUCCAUGAU 2606 2176 UGGAAUUUGCUAGAACUGU 2607 ACAGUUCUAGCAAAUUCCA 2608 2180 AUUUGCUAGAACUGUGGAA 2609 UUCCACAGUUCUAGCAAAU 2610 2184 GCUAGAACUGUGGAAGCUU 2611 AAGCUUCCACAGUUCUAGC 2612 2198 AGCUUCUACUCCUGCAGUA 2613 UACUGCAGGAGUAGAAGCU 2614 2199 GCUUCUACUCCUGCAGUAA 2615 UUACUGCAGGAGUAGAAGC 2616 2206 CUCCUGCAGUAAGCACAGA 2617 UCUGUGCUUACUGCAGGAG 2618 2217 AGCACAGAUCGCACUGCCU 2619 AGGCAGUGCGAUCUGUGCU 2620 2220 ACAGAUCGCACUGCCUCAA 2621 UUGAGGCAGUGCGAUCUGU 2622 2221 CAGAUCGCACUGCCUCAAU 2623 AUUGAGGCAGUGCGAUCUG 2624 2222 AGAUCGCACUGCCUCAAUA 2625 UAUUGAGGCAGUGCGAUCU 2626 2223 GAUCGCACUGCCUCAAUAA 2627 UUAUUGAGGCAGUGCGAUC 2628 2229 ACUGCCUCAAUAACUUGGU 2629 ACCAAGUUAUUGAGGCAGU 2630 2231 UGCCUCAAUAACUUGGUAU 2631 AUACCAAGUUAUUGAGGCA 2632 2237 AAUAACUUGGUAUUGAGCA 2633 UGCUCAAUACCAAGUUAUU 2634 2240 AACUUGGUAUUGAGCACGU 2635 ACGUGCUCAAUACCAAGUU 2636 2243 UUGGUAUUGAGCACGUAUU 2637 AAUACGUGCUCAAUACCAA 2638 2255 ACGUAUUUUGCAAAAGCUA 2639 UAGCUUUUGCAAAAUACGU 2640 2257 GUAUUUUGCAAAAGCUACU 2641 AGUAGCUUUUGCAAAAUAC 2642 2258 UAUUUUGCAAAAGCUACUU 2643 AAGUAGCUUUUGCAAAAUA 2644 2259 AUUUUGCAAAAGCUACUUU 2645 AAAGUAGCUUUUGCAAAAU 2646 2268 AAGCUACUUUUCCUAGUUU 2647 AAACUAGGAAAAGUAGCUU 2648 2271 CUACUUUUCCUAGUUUUCA 2649 UGAAAACUAGGAAAAGUAG 2650 2279 CCUAGUUUUCAGUAUUACU 2651 AGUAAUACUGAAAACUAGG 2652 2280 CUAGUUUUCAGUAUUACUU 2653 AAGUAAUACUGAAAACUAG 2654 2312 AUCCCUUUAAUUUCUUGCU 2655 AGCAAGAAAUUAAAGGGAU 2656 2326 UUGCUUGAAAAUCCCAUGA 2657 UCAUGGGAUUUUCAAGCAA 2658 2327 UGCUUGAAAAUCCCAUGAA 2659 UUCAUGGGAUUUUCAAGCA 2660 2329 CUUGAAAAUCCCAUGAACA 2661 UGUUCAUGGGAUUUUCAAG 2662 2343 GAACAUUAAAGAGCCAGAA 2663 UUCUGGCUCUUUAAUGUUC 2664 2346 CAUUAAAGAGCCAGAAAUA 2665 UAUUUCUGGCUCUUUAAUG 2666 2355 GCCAGAAAUAUUUUCCUUU 2667 AAAGGAAAAUAUUUCUGGC 2668 2367 UUCCUUUGUUAUGUACGGA 2669 UCCGUACAUAACAAAGGAA 2670 2368 UCCUUUGUUAUGUACGGAU 2671 AUCCGUACAUAACAAAGGA 2672 2369 CCUUUGUUAUGUACGGAUA 2673 UAUCCGUACAUAACAAAGG 2674 2370 CUUUGUUAUGUACGGAUAU 2675 AUAUCCGUACAUAACAAAG 2676 2371 UUUGUUAUGUACGGAUAUA 2677 UAUAUCCGUACAUAACAAA 2678 2372 UUGUUAUGUACGGAUAUAU 2679 AUAUAUCCGUACAUAACAA 2680 2373 UGUUAUGUACGGAUAUAUA 2681 UAUAUAUCCGUACAUAACA 2682 2394 UAUAUAGUCUUCCAAGAUA 2683 UAUCUUGGAAGACUAUAUA 2684 2401 UCUUCCAAGAUAGAAGUUU 2685 AAACUUCUAUCUUGGAAGA 2686 2404 UCCAAGAUAGAAGUUUACU 2687 AGUAAACUUCUAUCUUGGA 2688 2405 CCAAGAUAGAAGUUUACUU 2689 AAGUAAACUUCUAUCUUGG 2690 2448 UUCCAGAUAAGACAUGUCA 2691 UGACAUGUCUUAUCUGGAA 2692 2454 AUAAGACAUGUCACCAUUA 2693 UAAUGGUGACAUGUCUUAU 2694 2456 AAGACAUGUCACCAUUAAU 2695 AUUAAUGGUGACAUGUCUU 2696 2459 ACAUGUCACCAUUAAUUCU 2697 AGAAUUAAUGGUGACAUGU 2698 2461 AUGUCACCAUUAAUUCUCA 2699 UGAGAAUUAAUGGUGACAU 2700 2462 UGUCACCAUUAAUUCUCAA 2701 UUGAGAAUUAAUGGUGACA 2702 2465 CACCAUUAAUUCUCAACGA 2703 UCGUUGAGAAUUAAUGGUG 2704 2467 CCAUUAAUUCUCAACGACU 2705 AGUCGUUGAGAAUUAAUGG 2706 2470 UUAAUUCUCAACGACUGCU 2707 AGCAGUCGUUGAGAAUUAA 2708 2472 AAUUCUCAACGACUGCUCU 2709 AGAGCAGUCGUUGAGAAUU 2710 2474 UUCUCAACGACUGCUCUAU 2711 AUAGAGCAGUCGUUGAGAA 2712 2475 UCUCAACGACUGCUCUAUU 2713 AAUAGAGCAGUCGUUGAGA 2714 2476 CUCAACGACUGCUCUAUUU 2715 AAAUAGAGCAGUCGUUGAG 2716 2479 AACGACUGCUCUAUUUUGU 2717 ACAAAAUAGAGCAGUCGUU 2718 2488 UCUAUUUUGUUGUACGGUA 2719 UACCGUACAACAAAAUAGA 2720 2490 UAUUUUGUUGUACGGUAAU 2721 AUUACCGUACAACAAAAUA 2722 2491 AUUUUGUUGUACGGUAAUA 2723 UAUUACCGUACAACAAAAU 2724 2493 UUUGUUGUACGGUAAUAGU 2725 ACUAUUACCGUACAACAAA 2726 2494 UUGUUGUACGGUAAUAGUU 2727 AACUAUUACCGUACAACAA 2728 2495 UGUUGUACGGUAAUAGUUA 2729 UAACUAUUACCGUACAACA 2730 2496 GUUGUACGGUAAUAGUUAU 2731 AUAACUAUUACCGUACAAC 2732 2501 ACGGUAAUAGUUAUCACCU 2733 AGGUGAUAACUAUUACCGU 2734 2506 AAUAGUUAUCACCUUCUAA 2735 UUAGAAGGUGAUAACUAUU 2736 2507 AUAGUUAUCACCUUCUAAA 2737 UUUAGAAGGUGAUAACUAU 2738 2521 CUAAAUUACUAUGUAAUUU 2739 AAAUUACAUAGUAAUUUAG 2740 2543 CACUUAUUAUGUUUAUUGU 2741 ACAAUAAACAUAAUAAGUG 2742 2555 UUAUUGUCUUGUAUCCUUU 2743 AAAGGAUACAAGACAAUAA 2744 2564 UGUAUCCUUUCUCUGGAGU 2745 ACUCCAGAGAAAGGAUACA 2746 2566 UAUCCUUUCUCUGGAGUGU 2747 ACACUCCAGAGAAAGGAUA 2748 2571 UUUCUCUGGAGUGUAAGCA 2749 UGCUUACACUCCAGAGAAA 2750 2574 CUCUGGAGUGUAAGCACAA 2751 UUGUGCUUACACUCCAGAG 2752 2575 UCUGGAGUGUAAGCACAAU 2753 AUUGUGCUUACACUCCAGA 2754 2580 AGUGUAAGCACAAUGAAGA 2755 UCUUCAUUGUGCUUACACU 2756 2586 AGCACAAUGAAGACAGGAA 2757 UUCCUGUCUUCAUUGUGCU 2758 2588 CACAAUGAAGACAGGAAUU 2759 AAUUCCUGUCUUCAUUGUG 2760 2589 ACAAUGAAGACAGGAAUUU 2761 AAAUUCCUGUCUUCAUUGU 2762 2594 GAAGACAGGAAUUUUGUAU 2763 AUACAAAAUUCCUGUCUUC 2764 2613 AUUUUUAACCAAUGCAACA 2765 UGUUGCAUUGGUUAAAAAU 2766 2619 AACCAAUGCAACAUACUCU 2767 AGAGUAUGUUGCAUUGGUU 2768 2624 AUGCAACAUACUCUCAGCA 2769 UGCUGAGAGUAUGUUGCAU 2770 2627 CAACAUACUCUCAGCACCU 2771 AGGUGCUGAGAGUAUGUUG 2772 2628 AACAUACUCUCAGCACCUA 2773 UAGGUGCUGAGAGUAUGUU 2774 2629 ACAUACUCUCAGCACCUAA 2775 UUAGGUGCUGAGAGUAUGU 2776 2630 CAUACUCUCAGCACCUAAA 2777 UUUAGGUGCUGAGAGUAUG 2778 2646 AAAAUAGUGCCGGGAACAU 2779 AUGUUCCCGGCACUAUUUU 2780 2649 AUAGUGCCGGGAACAUAGU 2781 ACUAUGUUCCCGGCACUAU 2782 2656 CGGGAACAUAGUAAGGGCU 2783 AGCCCUUACUAUGUUCCCG 2784 2660 AACAUAGUAAGGGCUCAGU 2785 ACUGAGCCCUUACUAUGUU 2786 2667 UAAGGGCUCAGUAAAUACU 2787 AGUAUUUACUGAGCCCUUA 2788 2668 AAGGGCUCAGUAAAUACUU 2789 AAGUAUUUACUGAGCCCUU 2790 2682 UACUUGUUGAAUAAACUCA 2791 UGAGUUUAUUCAACAAGUA 2792 2684 CUUGUUGAAUAAACUCAGU 2793 ACUGAGUUUAUUCAACAAG 2794 2698 UCAGUCUCCUACAUUAGCA 2795 UGCUAAUGUAGGAGACUGA 2796 2700 AGUCUCCUACAUUAGCAUU 2797 AAUGCUAAUGUAGGAGACU 2798 2702 UCUCCUACAUUAGCAUUCU 2799 AGAAUGCUAAUGUAGGAGA 2800 2703 CUCCUACAUUAGCAUUCUA 2801 UAGAAUGCUAAUGUAGGAG 2802 2704 UCCUACAUUAGCAUUCUAA 2803 UUAGAAUGCUAAUGUAGGA 2804

Example 8 In Vivo Dose Response of EGLN Cocktail in Liver

In order to evaluate the efficacy of the iRNA agents directed to EGLN genes, dose response studies were conducted targeting individual EGLN genes and combinations of EGLN genes in the liver. For these studies, mice (3 animals per group) were injected IV with formulations at the doses outlined in Table 7. A mix of EGLN1 and EGLN3, EGLN1 and EGLN2, EGLN2 and EGLN3 and EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 formulations were tested to confirm if co-injection of individual LNP11 formulations with siRNA against single targets worked as well as injection of a single formulation with siRNAs against all 3 EGLN targets. At 6 days after the second dose the animals were sacrificed and the livers were evaluated for bDNA. Serum was evaluated for EPO measurements by ELISA. The results are shown in FIG. 11.

It was found that each EGLN specific siRNA produced specific and robust knockdown in the liver. Furthermore, synergies were detected when the siRNA to more than one EGLN targeting siRNA was used.

TABLE 7 In vivo knockdown of EGLN genes Dose Group siRNA (mg/kg) PBS — Luciferase AD-1955 0.5 EGLN1 AD-40894 0.5 EGLN2 AD-40773 0.5 EGLN3 AD-40758 0.5 EGLN1 + 2 AD-40894 (50%) 0.5/0.5 AD-40773 (50%) EGLN1 + 3 AD-40894 (50%) 0.5/0.5 AD-40758 (50%) EGLN2 + 3 AD-40773 (50%) 0.5/0.5 AD-40758 (50%) EGLN1 + 2 + 3 AD-40894 (33%) 0.5/0.5/0.5 AD-40773 (33%) AD-40758 (33%)

Example 9 In Vivo Production of Erythropoietin and Hematology Using EGLN Cocktail

In order to determine whether the administration of an EGLN iRNA cocktail was capable of increasing erythropoietin expression in vivo, a study was designed according to Table 8. Female C57B6 mice were dosed IV with PBS or LNP11-1955 luciferase controls, three different EGLN siRNA formulations or four different mixes of EGLN siRNA formulations. At day 6, a second dose was administered. On day 12, plasma samples were taken, animals were sacrificed and livers were harvested for measurement of EGLN1, EGLN2, EGLN3 and EPO mRNA. Also on day 12 blood was drawn (hematogology measurements including a count of reticulocytes, red blood cells, hemoglobin measurements and hematocrit levels) and animals were sacrified and the livers were taken for bDNA analysis. The data are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

TABLE 8 In vivo knockdown of EGLN genes Dose Group siRNA (mg/kg) PBS — Luciferase AD-1955 0.5 EGLN1 AD-40894 0.5 EGLN2 AD-40773 0.5 EGLN3 AD-40758 0.5 EGLN1 + 2 AD-40894 (50%) 0.5/0.5 AD-40773 (50%) EGLN1 + 3 AD-40894 (50%) 0.5/0.5 AD-40758 (50%) EGLN2 + 3 AD-40773 (50%) 0.5/0.5 AD-40758 (50%) EGLN1 + 2 + 3 AD-40894 (33%) 0.5/0.5/0.5 AD-40773 (33%) AD-40758 (33%)

It can be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13 that targeting EGLN1 alone or in combination with other EGLN genes increases serum EPO levels. It is suggested herein that knockdown of EGLN1 and/or EGLN2 induces feedback loop up-regulation of EGLN3 mimicking hypoxic response.

In general, a considerable increase in reticulocytes versus control was obsevered with an even larger increase in hematocrit, RBC count and hemoglobin levels in the plasma. Therefore, it has been surprisingly discovered that knockdown of EGLN1 (either alone or in combination) which produced an increase in EPO, concomitantly stimulated erythropiesis.

Example 10 Downregulation of Hepcidin

In order to evaluate the efficacy of the iRNA agents on the downregulation of Hepcidin dose response studies were conducted for iRNAs targeting individual EGLN genes and combinations of EGLNs in the liver. For these studies, mice (5 animals per group) were injected IV with formulations at the doses outlined in Table 9. Animals were dosed at day 1 and day 6. At day 12, the animals were bled and sacrificed and the livers were taken. The levels of hepcidin in liver were measured by bDNA. Downregulation of Hepcidin was observed when the formulations included at least EGLN1 (alone or in combination). The results are shown in FIG. 14.

TABLE 9 Downregulation of Hepcidin Dose Group siRNA (mg/kg) PBS — Luciferase AD-1955 0.5 EGLN1 AD-40894 0.5 EGLN2 AD-40773 0.5 EGLN3 AD-40758 0.5 EGLN1 + 2 AD-40894 (50%) 0.5/0.5 AD-40773 (50%) EGLN1 + 3 AD-40894 (50%) 0.5/0.5 AD-40758 (50%) EGLN2 + 3 AD-40773 (50%) 0.5/0.5 AD-40758 (50%) EGLN1 + 2 + 3 AD-40894 (33%) 0.5/0.5/0.5 AD-40773 (33%) AD-40758 (33%)

Example 11 Tissue Specificity

In order to determine whether administration of an EGLN iRNA cocktail was capable of tissue specificity, a study was designed according to Table 10. Female C57B6 mice were dosed four times, at day 1, 8, 15 and 22, by IV with LNP11-1955 luciferase control or a cocktail of EGLN siRNA formulation. On day 29, a set of plasma samples were taken, animals were sacrificed and livers, kidneys and spleens were harvested for measurement of EGLN1, EGLN2, EGLN3 and EPO mRNA measurements again by branched DNA analysis.

TABLE 10 Tissue specificity Dose Group siRNA (mg/kg) Luciferase AD-1955 EGLN mix AD-40894 (.375 mg/kg) 1.5 total AD-40773 (.75 mg/kg) AD-40758 (.375 mg/kg)

It can be seen from FIG. 15 that the EGLN cocktail stimulated EPO in the liver and showed little to no stimulation in the kidneys and spleen. Hence the increase in serum EPO must arise from the liver. Liver tissue was removed and stained with oil red oil and H&E and compared to the positive control for fatty liver. Tissue staining revealed that weekly dosing (up to one month) was well tolerated by the liver.

Example 12 Durable Effects of Cocktail Administration

In order to determine durability of administration of an EGLN iRNA cocktail on the regulation of EPO and hematocrit, a study was designed according to Table 11. Female C57B6 mice were dosed IV with LNP11-1955 luciferase control or a formulation of a mix of EGLN siRNA as outlined in Table 11. Two groups of mice were dosed at either (1) only day 1 or (2) on days 1 and 6. At days 6, 11, 16, and 22 serum EPO was measured. At days 6, 11, 16, and 22, 27 and 33 hematocrit was measured. The results are shown in FIG. 16.

TABLE 11 Durable effects of cocktail administration on Epo and hematocrit Dose Group siRNA (mg/kg) Luciferase AD-1955 1.5 EGLN mix AD-40894 (.5 mg/kg) 1.5 (day 1 dose) AD-40773 (.5 mg/kg) AD-40758 (.5 mg/kg) EGLN mix AD-40894 (.5 mg/kg) 1.5 (day 1 and 6 AD-40773 (.5 mg/kg) dose) AD-40758 (.5 mg/kg)

It can be seen from FIG. 16 that the knockdown by the EGLN mix was sustained over a prolonged period of time. The durability of a single dose could be seen in the samples taken for hematocrit showing lasting effects of over one month. Prolonged effects of the administration of the EGLN cocktail were also seen in the increased levels of EPO which lasted about 2 weeks after a single dose of the cocktail.

Example 13 Studies in an Animal Model of Anemia

Studies of the effects of the iRNA agents (alone or in combination) on a mouse model of anemia were performed to evaluate therapeutic outcomes and efficacy. Endpoints included target knockdown of each of the EGLN genes as well as hepcidin, improved EPO production, hematology measurements (including red blood cell count, Hemoglobin levels, hematocrit levels, and reticulocyte levels), and iron parameters (including serum iron level, transferrin saturation (% TSAT), unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and ferritin levels).

FBVN mice which had undergone 5/6 nephrectomy (Charles River Laboratories; Wilmington, Mass.) were dosed three times, at day 0, 4 and 8. Dosing involved IV administration at 1 mg/kg of the siRNA or siRNAs outlined in Table 12 formulated in LNP11. The study also included control groups of SHAM and PBS treated control groups as well as a control group containing the Luciferase siRNA AD-1955. At day 12 the animals were sacrificed, with terminal bleeds made and tissues removed for mRNA analysis. In all cases, the levels are normalized to levels of actin and presented as a percent sham. The results are presented in FIGS. 17-22 and discussed below.

TABLE 12 In vivo studies in a model of anemia Sample Dose Group siRNA Formulation Size (n) (mg/kg) SHAM — 5 PBS — 5 Luciferase AD-1955 LNP11 5 1 (control) EGLN1 AD-40894 LNP11 4 1 EGLN1-2 AD-40894 (50%) LNP11 5 1 (0.5 ea) AD-40773 (50%) EGLN1-2-3 AD-40894 (33%) LNP11 4 1 (0.33 ea) mix AD-40773 (33%) AD-40758 (33%) Target mRNA Knockdown (EGLN and Hepcidin)

Results of measurement of EGLN 1, 2, and 3 in liver as well as hepcidin expression is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, respectively. It can be seen from the data that, just as with previous studies, the effects of the iRNA agents targeting the EGLN genes, either alone or in combination are specific and robust. There was upregulation of EGLN3 mRNA seen previously due to feedback regulation particularly in EGLN1-2 treated groups.

Downregulation of hepcidin (HAMP1) was observed when the formulations included at least EGLN1 (alone or in combination). Clearly, knockdown of EGLN1, EGLN1-2 and EGLN1-2-3 was shown to induce a down regulation of Hepcidin mRNA in the liver.

Improved EPO Production

Measurements of erythropoietin were made at the terminal bleed at day 12 and the data are shown in FIG. 19. It can be seen that knockdown of EGLN1-2 and EGLN1-2-3 significantly increased liver EPO mRNA in the context of 5/6 nephrectomy. An increase in EPO mRNA was not detected with EGLN1 knockdown consistent with previous experiments where the increase was only seen at the protein level. These results suggest that in anemic patients, administration of the iRNA agents targeting EGLN genes may serve a therapeutic need to increase EPO.

Hematology

Hematocrit levels of the test groups were measured at day 0 and at sacrifice on day 12. The pre and post values of the animals are shown in FIG. 20. As can be seen from the data, there was a significant increase in Hematocrit in double and triple combo groups with a more minor effect seen in EGLN1 alone treated animals compared to SHAM controls.

Measurements of red blood cell count, Hemoglobin, and reticulocyte levels were also made at day 12 and good increases in hemoglobin and reticulocytes in all EGLN groups was observed. See FIG. 21.

Iron Parameters

Parameters associated with the etiology of anemia and erythropoiesis were also measured at day 12. These data are presented in FIG. 22. Decreases seen in TSAT, and increases in UIBC and TIBC in the double and triple combo EGLN knockdown animals was very informative. These data suggest that there might not be sufficient iron available to meet the enhanced erythropoiesis demand (due to stimulation by the iRNA agents administered) of the system. In other words, the effect of the iRNA agents in enhancing erythropoiesis was so successful, it outpaced (or drained) the iron pool of the animal. These data suggest that the iRNA agents may be even more effective if administered in conjunction with an iron supplement.

Example 14 Design and Synthesis of siRNA Targeting Human EGLN Genes

Oligonucleotide design was carried out to identify siRNAs targeting the genes encoding the human (Homo sapiens) EGLN 1, 2 and 3 genes. The design process used the EGLN transcript NM_(—)022051.2 for EGLN1 (SEQ ID NO: 390), NM_(—)053046.2 for EGLN2 (SEQ ID NO: 391), and NM_(—)022073.3 for EGLN3 (SEQ ID NO: 392). All sequences were obtained from the NCBI Refseq collection. All siRNA duplexes were designed that shared 100% identity with the listed human and rhesus transcripts. The constructs are shown in Tables 13A, B and C.

TABLE 13A  Human EGNL1 Single Strands and Duplex Sequences For all the sequences in the list, ‘endolight’ chemistry was applied as described above. SEQ SEQ Duplex Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Number Sense NO Antisense NO AD- cAcGAcAccGGGAAGuucAdTsdT 2807 UGAACUUCCCGGUGUCGUGdTsdT 2808 47677.1 AD- GAcuGGGAuGccAAGGuAAdTsdT 2809 UuACCUUGGcAUCCcAGUCdTsdT 2810 47683.1 AD- ccAAGGuAAGuGGAGGuAudTsdT 2811 AuACCUCcACUuACCUUGGdTsdT 2812 47688.1 AD- GuGGAGGuAuAcuucGAAudTsdT 2813 AUUCGAAGuAuACCUCcACdTsdT 2814 47694.1 AD- GuGGAGGuAuAcuucGAAudTsdT 2815 AUUCGAAGuAuACCUCcACdTsdT 2816 47694.2 AD- GAGGuAuAcuucGAAuuuudTsdT 2817 AAAAUUCGAAGuAuACCUCdTsdT 2818 47700.1 AD- ccAAAuuuGAuAGAcuGcudTsdT 2819 AGcAGUCuAUcAAAUUUGGdTsdT 2820 47706.1 AD- GcuAcAAGGuAcGcAAuAAdTsdT 2821 UuAUUGCGuACCUUGuAGCdTsdT 2822 47711.1 AD- GAGAGcAcGAGcuAAAGuAdTsdT 2823 uACUUuAGCUCGUGCUCUCdTsdT 2824 47716.1 AD- GAGcuAAAGuAAAAuAucudTsdT 2825 AGAuAUUUuACUUuAGCUCdTsdT 2826 47678.1 AD- GuGuGAGGGuuGAAcucAAdTsdT 2827 UUGAGUUcAACCCUcAcACdTsdT 2828 47689.1 AD- GuGAGGGuuGAAcucAAuAdTsdT 2829 uAUUGAGUUcAACCCUcACdTsdT 2830 47695.1 AD- GGuuGAAcucAAuAAAccudTsdT 2831 AGGUUuAUUGAGUUcAACCdTsdT 2832 47701.1 AD- GAcGucuucuAGAGccuuudTsdT 2833 AAAGGCUCuAGAAGACGUCdTsdT 2834 47707.1 AD- ccAGAucuGuuAucuAGcudTsdT 2835 AGCuAGAuAAcAGAUCUGGdTsdT 2836 47712.1 AD- GuuAucuAGcuGAGuucAudTsdT 2837 AUGAACUcAGCuAGAuAACdTsdT 2838 47717.1 AD- GGuAcAAuuuAucuAAAcudTsdT 2839 AGUUuAGAuAAAUUGuACCdTsdT 2840 47679.1 AD- ccucuuAAuAAuGAuuGuudTsdT 2841 AAcAAUcAUuAUuAAGAGGdTsdT 2842 47684.1 AD- GccAGuGAcuGAuGAuuAAdTsdT 2843 UuAAUcAUcAGUcACUGGCdTsdT 2844 47690.1 AD- ccAGuGAcuGAuGAuuAAudTsdT 2845 AUuAAUcAUcAGUcACUGGdTsdT 2846 47696.1 AD- GAGcAcuuuAAuuAcAAcudTsdT 2847 AGUUGuAAUuAAAGUGCUCdTsdT 2848 47702.1 AD- ccAuuuAcuAccAAuAAcudTsdT 2849 AGUuAUUGGuAGuAAAUGGdTsdT 2850 47708.1 AD- GGcuGGGGuuuAAGuuAAAdTsdT 2851 UUuAACUuAAACCCcAGCCdTsdT 2852 47713.1 AD- GcuGGGGuuuAAGuuAAAudTsdT 2853 AUUuAACUuAAACCCcAGCdTsdT 2854 47718.1 AD- cuucAAGuuccuAAGAuAAdTsdT 2855 UuAUCUuAGGAACUUGAAGdTsdT 2856 47680.1 AD- GGGcuuucuuAAGcuuucAdTsdT 2857 UGAAAGCUuAAGAAAGCCCdTsdT 2858 47685.1 AD- cuuAGAcuucAcuuuccuAdTsdT 2859 uAGGAAAGUGAAGUCuAAGdTsdT 2860 47691.1 AD- cuucAcuuuccuAGGcuuudTsdT 2861 AAAGCCuAGGAAAGUGAAGdTsdT 2862 47697.1 AD- cuAucucuGuccuuGAucudTsdT 2863 AGAUcAAGGAcAGAGAuAGdTsdT 2864 47703.1 AD- GccAAAAuGuGAGuAuAcAdTsdT 2865 UGuAuACUcAcAUUUUGGCdTsdT 2866 47709.1 AD- cAAAAuGuGAGuAuAcAGAdTsdT 2867 UCUGuAuACUcAcAUUUUGdTsdT 2868 47714.1 AD- cuuAGGAGAAuuuGcAGGAdTsdT 2869 UCCUGcAAAUUCUCCuAAGdTsdT 2870 47719.1 AD- GcGuuAGGccAcAAcucAAdTsdT 2871 UUGAGUUGUGGCCuAACGCdTsdT 2872 47686.1 AD- cGuuAGGccAcAAcucAAAdTsdT 2873 UUUGAGUUGUGGCCuAACGdTsdT 2874 47692.1 AD- cuAucuGuGGGuuGuGcuudTsdT 2875 AAGcAcAACCcAcAGAuAGdTsdT 2876 47698.1 AD- cAGAcAGGucuuAAAuuGudTsdT 2877 AcAAUUuAAGACCUGUCUGdTsdT 2878 47704.1 AD- GGAAAAGuuuAuAuAcucudTsdT 2879 AGAGuAuAuAAACUUUUCCdTsdT 2880 47710.1 AD- cuGuuuGuGGccuAuAuGudTsdT 2881 AcAuAuAGGCcAcAAAcAGdTsdT 2882 47715.1 AD- GuuuGuGGccuAuAuGuGudTsdT 2883 AcAcAuAuAGGCcAcAAACdTsdT 2884 47720.1 AD- GuGuuuAAuccuGGuuAAAdTsdT 2885 UUuAACcAGGAUuAAAcACdTsdT 2886 47682.1 AD- GuuuAAuccuGGuuAAAGAdTsdT 2887 UCUUuAACcAGGAUuAAACdTsdT 2888 47687.1 AD- cuGuuuuuAuucAAcAcAudTsdT 2889 AUGUGUUGAAuAAAAAcAGdTsdT 2890 47693.1 AD- cAuAuAcAGAuAGAcuAuAdTsdT 2891 uAuAGUCuAUCUGuAuAUGdTsdT 2892 47699.1 AD- cAAGuuGcuuGuAAAGcuAdTsdT 2893 uAGCUUuAcAAGcAACUUGdTsdT 2894 47705.1 AD- GcuuGuAAAGcuAAucuAAdTsdT 2895 UuAGAUuAGCUUuAcAAGCdTsdT 2896 40932.2 AD- GcuuGuAAAGcuAAucuAAdTsdT 2897 UuAGAUuAGCUUuAcAAGCdTsdT 2898 40932.1 AD- GcuuGuAAAGcuAAucuAAdTsdT 2899 UuAGAUuAGCUUuAcAAGCdTsdT 2900 40932.3

TABLE 13B  Human EGNL2 Single Strands and Duplex Sequences For all the sequences in the list, ‘endolight’ chemistry was applied as described above. SEQ SEQ Duplex Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Number Sense NO Antisense NO AD- cuucccAAGcccuuAGGGAdTsdT 2901 UCCCuAAGGGCUUGGGAAGdTsdT 2902 47721.1 AD- cuuGGGGAccAGcAAGcAAdTsdT 2903 UUGCUUGCUGGUCCCcAAGdTsdT 2904 47727.1 AD- cAuGcccGGGGGAuGAAGAdTsdT 2905 UCUUcAUCCCCCGGGcAUGdTsdT 2906 47733.1 AD- cccGGGGGAuGAAGAcAcudTsdT 2907 AGUGUCUUcAUCCCCCGGGdTsdT 2908 47738.1 AD- GGGGGAuGAAGAcAcuGcudTsdT 2909 AGcAGUGUCUUcAUCCCCCdTsdT 2910 47744.1 AD- GcAGccccuAAGucAGGcudTsdT 2911 AGCCUGACUuAGGGGCUGCdTsdT 2912 47750.1 AD- cAGuuAccAGGGucuucGudTsdT 2913 ACGAAGACCCUGGuAACUGdTsdT 2914 47756.1 AD- GAGGcccccAAAcGGAAAudTsdT 2915 AUUUCCGUUUGGGGGCCUCdTsdT 2916 47722.1 AD- GGGccAGGcAAGAGAAccAdTsdT 2917 UGGUUCUCUUGCCUGGCCCdTsdT 2918 47728.1 AD- GccuGGcccuGGAcuAuAudTsdT 2919 AuAuAGUCcAGGGCcAGGCdTsdT 2920 47734.1 AD- GcAuGcGGuAcuAcGGcAudTsdT 2921 AUGCCGuAGuACCGcAUGCdTsdT 2922 47739.1 AD- GGuAcuAcGGcAucuGcGudTsdT 2923 ACGcAGAUGCCGuAGuACCdTsdT 2924 47745.1 AD- cAuccGuGGGGAccAGAuudTsdT 2925 AAUCUGGUCCCcACGGAUGdTsdT 2926 47751.1 AD- cGGGuAcGuAAGGcAcGuudTsdT 2927 AACGUGCCUuACGuACCCGdTsdT 2928 47763.1 AD- GGuAcGuAAGGcAcGuuGAdTsdT 2929 UcAACGUGCCUuACGuACCdTsdT 2930 47723.1 AD- cGcuGcAucAccuGuAucudTsdT 2931 AGAuAcAGGUGAUGcAGCGdTsdT 2932 47729.1 AD- GcAucAccuGuAucuAuuAdTsdT 2933 uAAuAGAuAcAGGUGAUGCdTsdT 2934 40743.2 AD- GcAucAccuGuAucuAuuAdTsdT 2935 uAAuAGAuAcAGGUGAUGCdTsdT 2936 40743.1 AD- ccuGuAucuAuuAccuGAAdTsdT 2937 UUcAGGuAAuAGAuAcAGGdTsdT 2938 47740.1 AD- GuAucuAuuAccuGAAucAdTsdT 2939 UGAUUcAGGuAAuAGAuACdTsdT 2940 47746.1 AD- GAAucAGAAcuGGGAcGuudTsdT 2941 AACGUCCcAGUUCUGAUUCdTsdT 2942 47752.1 AD- cuGGGAcGuuAAGGuGcAudTsdT 2943 AUGcACCUuAACGUCCcAGdTsdT 2944 47758.1 AD- cucuuuGAccGGuuGcucAdTsdT 2945 UGAGcAACCGGUcAAAGAGdTsdT 2946 47764.1 AD- cuuuGAccGGuuGcucAuudTsdT 2947 AAUGAGcAACCGGUcAAAGdTsdT 2948 47724.1 AD- GAccGGuuGcucAuuuucudTsdT 2949 AGAAAAUGAGcAACCGGUCdTsdT 2950 47730.1 AD- GuGAAGccAGccuAuGccAdTsdT 2951 UGGcAuAGGCUGGCUUcACdTsdT 2952 47735.1 AD- ccAGGuAcGccAucAcuGudTsdT 2953 AcAGUGAUGGCGuACCUGGdTsdT 2954 47741.1 AD- ccAucAcuGucuGGuAuuudTsdT 2955 AAAuACcAGAcAGUGAUGGdTsdT 2956 47747.1 AD- GcAGcAGccAAAGAcAAGudTsdT 2957 ACUUGUCUUUGGCUGCUGCdTsdT 2958 47753.1 AD- cAGccAAAGAcAAGuAucAdTsdT 2959 UGAuACUUGUCUUUGGCUGdTsdT 2960 47759.1 AD- cAGccAAAGAcAAGuAucAdTsdT 2961 UGAuACUUGUCUUUGGCUGdTsdT 2962 47759.2 AD- cAAAGAcAAGuAucAGcuAdTsdT 2963 uAGCUGAuACUUGUCUUUGdTsdT 2964 47765.1 AD- GAcAAGuAucAGcuAGcAudTsdT 2965 AUGCuAGCUGAuACUUGUCdTsdT 2966 47725.1 AD- GuAucAGcuAGcAucAGGAdTsdT 2967 UCCUGAUGCuAGCUGAuACdTsdT 2968 47731.1 AD- cAGcuAGcAucAGGAcAGAdTsdT 2969 UCUGUCCUGAUGCuAGCUGdTsdT 2970 47736.1 AD- GcuAGcAucAGGAcAGAAAdTsdT 2971 UUUCUGUCCUGAUGCuAGCdTsdT 2972 47742.1 AD- GAAAGGuGuccAAGuAccudTsdT 2973 AGGuACUUGGAcACCUUUCdTsdT 2974 47748.1 AD- ccuAGuGGccAGucccAGAdTsdT 2975 UCUGGGACUGGCcACuAGGdTsdT 2976 47754.1 AD- cuGucuGGucAuGAccccAdTsdT 2977 UGGGGUcAUGACcAGAcAGdTsdT 2978 47760.1 AD- GucuGGucAuGAccccAuudTsdT 2979 AAUGGGGUcAUGACcAGACdTsdT 2980 47766.1 AD- cuGGGAGGAGGcAuuGucAdTsdT 2981 UGAcAAUGCCUCCUCCcAGdTsdT 2982 47726.1 AD- GGAGGAGGcAuuGucAcuudTsdT 2983 AAGUGAcAAUGCCUCCUCCdTsdT 2984 47732.1 AD- GcAuuGucAcuucccAccAdTsdT 2985 UGGUGGGAAGUGAcAAUGCdTsdT 2986 47737.1 AD- GGAcuuGGGGuuGAGGuGAdTsdT 2987 UcACCUcAACCCcAAGUCCdTsdT 2988 47743.1 AD- cucuuGcuGGcAAuGGGGudTsdT 2989 ACCCcAUUGCcAGcAAGAGdTsdT 2990 47749.1 AD- ccAGccuGGAAuGuGAAGudTsdT 2991 ACUUcAcAUUCcAGGCUGGdTsdT 2992 47755.1 AD- GGcAGAGuAAAAGGuGccAdTsdT 2993 UGGcACCUUUuACUCUGCCdTsdT 2994 47761.1

TABLE 13C  Human EGNL3 Single Strands and Duplex Sequences For all the sequences in the list, ‘endolight’ chemistry was applied as described above. SEQ SEQ Duplex Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Sequence (5′ to 3′) ID Number Sense NO Antisense NO AD- GuGGcAGccGcAGGuuucudTsdT 2995 AGAAACCUGCGGCUGCcACdTsdT 2996 47767.1 AD- GcAGccGcAGGuuucuGAAdTsdT 2997 UUcAGAAACCUGCGGCUGCdTsdT 2998 47773.1 AD- GGcuucGcGcucGuGuAGAdTsdT 2999 UCuAcACGAGCGCGAAGCCdTsdT 3000 47779.1 AD- GcuucGcGcucGuGuAGAudTsdT 3001 AUCuAcACGAGCGCGAAGCdTsdT 3002 47785.1 AD- cGcGcucGuGuAGAucGuudTsdT 3003 AACGAUCuAcACGAGCGCGdTsdT 3004 47791.1 AD- GAucccGGAccucGAuucudTsdT 3005 AGAAUCGAGGUCCGGGAUCdTsdT 3006 47797.1 AD- cAAGGAGAGGucuAAGGcAdTsdT 3007 UGCCUuAGACCUCUCCUUGdTsdT 3008 47803.1 AD- GGcAAuGGuGGcuuGcuAudTsdT 3009 AuAGcAAGCcACcAUUGCCdTsdT 3010 47809.1 AD- ccGGGAAAuGGAAcAGGuudTsdT 3011 AACCUGUUCcAUUUCCCGGdTsdT 3012 47768.1 AD- ccuGcAucuAcuAucuGAAdTsdT 3013 UUcAGAuAGuAGAUGcAGGdTsdT 3014 47786.1 AD- GAuccuGcGGAuAuuuccAdTsdT 3015 UGGAAAuAUCCGcAGGAUCdTsdT 3016 47792.1 AD- GGGGAAAucAuucAuAGcAdTsdT 3017 UGCuAUGAAUGAUUUCCCCdTsdT 3018 47798.1 AD- GGAAAucAuucAuAGcAGAdTsdT 3019 UCUGCuAUGAAUGAUUUCCdTsdT 3020 47804.1 AD- GAcAGAcuccuGuucuucudTsdT 3021 AGAAGAAcAGGAGUCUGUCdTsdT 3022 47769.1 AD- ccuGuucuucuGGucAGAudTsdT 3023 AUCUGACcAGAAGAAcAGGdTsdT 3024 47775.1 AD- GcAAccAGAuAuGcuAuGAdTsdT 3025 UcAuAGcAuAUCUGGUUGCdTsdT 3026 47781.1 AD- ccAGAuAuGcuAuGAcuGudTsdT 3027 AcAGUcAuAGcAuAUCUGGdTsdT 3028 47787.1 AD- cuAuGAcuGucuGGuAcuudTsdT 3029 AAGuACcAGAcAGUcAuAGdTsdT 3030 47793.1 AD- GAAAuucAGGAAuuuAAcudTsdT 3031 AGUuAAAUUCCUGAAUUUCdTsdT 3032 47805.1 AD- GAAuuuAAcuAGGAAAAcudTsdT 3033 AGUUUUCCuAGUuAAAUUCdTsdT 3034 47811.1 AD- GccuuGuucAuuuuAGuAAdTsdT 3035 UuACuAAAAUGAAcAAGGCdTsdT 3036 47770.1 AD- GuuccuGAAuucucuuAAAdTsdT 3037 UUuAAGAGAAUUcAGGAACdTsdT 3038 47776.1 AD- GuuccuGAAuucucuuAAAdTsdT 3039 UUuAAGAGAAUUcAGGAACdTsdT 3040 47776.2 AD- cuGAAuucucuuAAAuucudTsdT 3041 AGAAUUuAAGAGAAUUcAGdTsdT 3042 47782.1 AD- cAAAGAuGGccucuucAGudTsdT 3043 ACUGAAGAGGCcAUCUUUGdTsdT 3044 47788.1 AD- cuGcuAcuucuuGcAuccudTsdT 3045 AGGAUGcAAGAAGuAGcAGdTsdT 3046 47800.1 AD- cccuGucuuGuGuGuGGuAdTsdT 3047 uACcAcAcAcAAGAcAGGGdTsdT 3048 47806.1 AD- cuuGuGuGuGGuAcuucAudTsdT 3049 AUGAAGuACcAcAcAcAAGdTsdT 3050 47812.1 AD- GuGuGGuAcuucAuGuuuudTsdT 3051 AAAAcAUGAAGuACcAcACdTsdT 3052 47771.1 AD- GuuuucuuGccAAGAcuGudTsdT 3053 AcAGUCUUGGcAAGAAAACdTsdT 3054 47777.1 AD- cGAGGGAAuGAAccuuAcudTsdT 3055 AGuAAGGUUcAUUCCCUCGdTsdT 3056 47783.1 AD- cuuAcuuGcAcuuuAuGuAdTsdT 3057 uAcAuAAAGUGcAAGuAAGdTsdT 3058 47789.1 AD- cAcuuuAuGuAuAcuuccudTsdT 3059 AGGAAGuAuAcAuAAAGUGdTsdT 3060 47795.1 AD- GuAuAcuuccuGAuuuGAAdTsdT 3061 UUcAAAUcAGGAAGuAuACdTsdT 3062 47801.1 AD- GGAGAAuuAucAcAAccuAdTsdT 3063 uAGGUUGUGAuAAUUCUCCdTsdT 3064 47807.1 AD- ccuAAuGAcAuuAAuAccudTsdT 3065 AGGuAUuAAUGUcAUuAGGdTsdT 3066 47813.1 AD- cccuGGuAGuuuuGuGuuAdTsdT 3067 uAAcAcAAAACuACcAGGGdTsdT 3068 47772.1 AD- ccuGGuAGuuuuGuGuuAAdTsdT 3069 UuAAcAcAAAACuACcAGGdTsdT 3070 47778.1 AD- GuGGAAAGAGcuAGGucuAdTsdT 3071 uAGACCuAGCUCUUUCcACdTsdT 3072 47784.1 AD- cuAGGucuAcuGAuAuAcAdTsdT 3073 UGuAuAUcAGuAGACCuAGdTsdT 3074 47790.1 AD- GucuAcuGAuAuAcAAuAAdTsdT 3075 UuAUUGuAuAUcAGuAGACdTsdT 3076 47796.1 AD- cAuGuGuGcAucuuGAAcAdTsdT 3077 UGUUcAAGAUGcAcAcAUGdTsdT 3078 47802.1 AD- GuGuGcAucuuGAAcAAuudTsdT 3079 AAUUGUUcAAGAUGcAcACdTsdT 3080 47808.1

Example 15 Studies of siRNA in an Animal Model:Hematology Measurements

Studies of the effects of siRNA agents in combination on a mouse model were performed to evaluate therapeutic outcomes and efficacy. Endpoints included hematology measurements (including red blood cell count, Hemoglobin levels, hematocrit levels, and reticulocyte levels).

Wild type C57BL/6 mice were dosed two times, at day 0 and 6. Dosing involved tail vein administration of an equal part mixture of the three siRNAs (AD-40894, AD-40773 and AD-40758) targeting EGLN1, EGLN2, and EGLN3 respectively. The study also included control groups of PBS treated control and a control group containing the luciferase siRNA AD-1955. The results are presented in Table 14.

Hematology

Hematocrit levels of the test group were measured at day 4 and 9. As can be seen from the data in Table 14, there was an increase in hematocrit in the mice treated with an equal part mixture of siRNAs as compared to the PBS and Luciferase controls. Measurements of red blood cell count, Hemoglobin, and reticulocyte levels were also made at day 4 and 9 and an increase in Hemoglobin and reticulocyte levels was observed. These data are also presented in Table 14. In the table “Hg” stands for Hemoglobin in g/dL, “HCT” stands for Hematocrit in %, “Ret” stands for Reticulocytes in %, and “RBC” stands for Red Blood Cells (×10⁶ cells/uL).

TABLE 14 In vivo studies in an animal model Day 4 Bleed Day 9 Bleed Ret RBC Hg HCT Ret RBC Hg HCT PBS 3.4 8.7 12.6 40.6 7.4 8.3 12.2 39.3 Luciferase 3.2 8.6 12.3 39.7 7.1 7.7 11.3 36.2 EGLN 1, 2, 3 10.1 9.4 13.6 45.8 12.5 10.5 15.4 52.9 Additional Hematology Studies: Day 0 and Day 5Dosing

Studies on the effects of the siRNA agents (alone or in combination) on a mouse model were performed to evaluate the effect of the siRNA agents on EPO production and erythropoiesis. Endpoints included hematology measurements (including red blood cell count, Hemoglobin levels, hematocrit levels, and reticulocyte levels). Wild type C57BL/6 mice were dosed two times, at day 0 and 5. Dosing involved tail vein administration at 0.5 mg/kg per EGLN family member, EGLN1 (AD-40894), EGLN2 (AD-40773), and EGLN3 (AD-40758). The study also included control groups of PBS treated mice and a group containing the luciferase siRNA AD-1955.

Hematology

Hematocrit levels of the test group were measured at sacrifice on day 11. The values are shown in Table 15 along with reticulocyte levels, hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count.

TABLE 15 In vivo studies in an animal model on day 11 Red Blood Reticulocyte Cell Hemoglobin Hematocrit PBS 3.7 8.5 12.8 40.5 Luciferase 2.9 8.7 12.9 41.7 EGLN1 8.7 10.6 15.4 52.3 EGLN2 3.8 8.7 12.4 40.1 EGLN3 3.6 8.3 12.3 40.0 EGLN1, 2 10.6 11.5 16.5 56.2 EGLN2, 3 7.6 10.0 14.8 49.3 EGLN1, 3 4.6 8.0 12.0 39.1 EGLN 1, 2, 3 12.2 11.9 16.9 58.5

Example 16 5′RACE Assay

A 5′RACE assay was used in order to monitor the cleavage site of target mRNA. The 5′RACE analysis showed that the downregulation of EGLN mRNA in the liver was specifically due to siRNA-mediated mRNA cleavage. Table 16 lists the 5′RACE primers used in this analysis.

TABLE 16  5′RACE Primers Sequence 5′ to 3′ SEQ ID NO. Adaptor oligo CGACTGGAGCACGAGGACACTGACATGG 3081 Nested GGACACTGACATGGACTGAAGGAGTAG 3082 Adaptor oligo EGLN1 GSP AGAGATGAAATGAACTCAGTTAGGTGACAGGTCTG 3083 EGLN1 PCR TTGTTTCGTGTCCAGATGGAAAAGCTACTCTCCTC 3084 Round 1 EGLN1 PCR GGCTTGAGTTCAACCCTCACACCTTTCTCACCTG 3085 Round 2 EGLN2 GSP TATTTCTTGGCTGGCAGAACCTCCATAC 3086 EGLN2 PCR CAGACAGTGGCAGCCCAGTCCATACACTG 3087 Round 1 EGLN2 PCR CAGCAGAGGTCTCTCCTTGTTGCTCCTCAGTG 3088 Round 2 EGLN3 GSP GATGTGGAAGAACTCCAATAGCTCTGAGGTC 3089 EGLN3 PCR CAGTGCTGAATTACCAGGAAGCTTTCTATCCTCTG 3090 Round 1 EGLN3 PCR GCAAGAAAACATGAAGTACCACAAACAAG 3091 Round 2

Example 17 Animal Model: Anemia

We next asked if EGLN siRNA could be used to treat anemia in the setting of chronic renal failure. Toward this end mice were subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy, which is a widely used model for anemia linked to renal failure, or sham operations (FIG. 23). The mice undergoing nephrectomy developed anemia, as expected, and were then randomized to receive phosphate buffered saline (PBS), control siRNA (luciferase siRNA), siRNAs targeting EglN¹, EGLN1 and EGLN2, or combinations thereof. In keeping with the data described above, inactivation of EGLN1 led to a modest increase in red blood cell production, which was markedly accentuated by coinactivation of EGLN2. Treatment with EGLN1 and EGLN2 constructs restored both hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (FIG. 23 B, C). The maximal erythropoietic response, however, was observed after treatment with siRNA targeting all 3 EGLN paralogs. EglN inactivation in this model also led to an upregulation of EPO and a decrease in hepcidin mRNA levels, consistent with earlier studies using chemical hydroxylase inhibitors (FIG. 24).

Chronic inflammation can lead to anemia due, at least partly, to increased levels of hepcidin and altered iron trafficking (anemia of chronic disease). Rats with experimental arthritis induced by a polymer of a streptococcal antigen (PG-APS) have been used as a model for the anemia linked to inflammation (M. A. Coccia et al., Exp Hematol 29, 1201 (October, 2001); R. B. Sartor et al., Infect Immun 57, 1177 (April, 1989); W. J. Cromartie, J. G. Craddock, J. H. Schwab, S. K. Anderle, C. H. Yang, J Exp Med 146, 1585 (Dec. 1, 1977). In the 5/6 nephrectomy model combined inactivation of EGLN1 and EGLN2 was sufficient to induce a brisk erythropoietic response (FIG. 23) and we were able to identify siRNAs that can effectively target rat EglN1 and EglN2 (FIG. 25A-C). Treatment of anemic PG-APS rats with mixtures of siRNAs targeting both EglN1 and EglN2 decreased their hepcidin levels and corrected their anemia (FIG. 25).

These studies suggest that systemically administered siRNAs targeting the EGLN family would ameliorate anemias characterized by an absolute or relative deficiency of erythropoietin, such as anemias linked to chronic kidney disease or inflammation, in man. This approach would allow the body to produce native erythropoietin, thereby obviating the need for recombinant versions of this hormone. Moreover other hepatic changes induced by EGLN inhibition, such as decreased production of hepcidin, might enhance the effectiveness of endogenous erythropoietin and thereby lower the circulating erythropoietin levels needed to promote red blood cell production. This might be desirable if some of the cardiovascular complications of chronic erythropoietin production are more tightly linked to circulating erythropoietin levels, especially when supraphysiological, than to red blood cell mass per se.

Example 18 Decrease of Hepatic EGLN Activity: Photon Emission Study

It has previously been shown that EGLN activity can be monitored non-invasively in mice that ubiquitously express a HIF1α-luciferase fusion protein that contains a region of HIF1α that is sufficient to be hydroxylated by EGLN and subsequently ubiquitinated by the pVHL ubiquitin ligase complex (M. Safran et al., Proc Nall Acad Sci USA 103, 105 (Jan. 3, 2006). As expected, administration of the EGLN siRNA mix to these mice decreased hepatic, but not renal, EGLN activity as determined by increased photon emission in the region of the liver, but not kidneys, following luciferin administration (See FIG. 26). Branched DNA analysis confirmed that EglN1, EglN2, and EglN3 mRNAs were decreased in the liver, but not the kidney, and was associated with an increase hepatic, but not renal, EPO mRNA production.

It is to be understood that the words which have been used are words of description rather than limitation, and that changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.

While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention.

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, section headings, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising (a) at least one double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1, wherein said dsRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 26 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 26) and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 27 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 27), and (b) at least one double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression EGLN3, wherein said dsRNA for inhibiting expression of EGLN3 comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 282 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 282) and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 283 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 283).
 2. A composition comprising (a) at least one double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1, wherein said dsRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 26 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 26) and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 27 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 27), and (b) at least one double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN2 comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 176 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 176) and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 177 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 177).
 3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each dsRNA targeting each of EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 comprises at least one modified nucleotide.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein at least one of said modified nucleotides is chosen from the group consisting of: a 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, a nucleotide comprising a 5′-phosphorothioate group, and a terminal nucleotide linked to a cholesteryl derivative or dodecanoic acid bisdecylamide group.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein said modified nucleotide is chosen from the group consisting of: a 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro modified nucleotide, a 2′-deoxy-modified nucleotide, a locked nucleotide, an abasic nucleotide, 2′-amino-modified nucleotide, 2′-alkyl-modified nucleotide, morpholino nucleotide, a phosphoramidate, and a non-natural base comprising nucleotide.
 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the each of the sense:antisense strand pairs of each of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 contains a region of complementarity between the sense and antisense strands which is at least 17 nucleotides in length.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the region of complementarity is between 19 and 21 nucleotides in length.
 8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the region of complementarity is 19 nucleotides in length.
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein each strand of each of the sense:antisense strand pairs of each of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 is no more than 30 nucleotides in length.
 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein at least one strand of each of the sense:antisense strand pairs of each of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 1 nucleotide.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein at least one strand of each of the sense:antisense strand pairs of each of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 2 nucleotides.
 12. A composition comprising (a) at least one double-strand ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1, wherein said dsRNA comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 88 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 88) and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 89 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 89), and (b) at least one double-strand ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN3, wherein said dsRNA for inhibiting expression of EGLN3, comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 346 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 346) and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 347 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 347), wherein each of the sense strand and antisense strand of each of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1 and EGLN3 is no more than 30 nucleotides in length and wherein at least one strand of each of the sense strand and antisense strand of each of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1 and EGLN3 comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 2 nucleotides.
 13. A composition comprising (a) at least one double-strand ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1 comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 88 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 88) and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 89 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 89), and (b) at least one double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN2 comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein the sense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 240 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 240) and the antisense strand comprises at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 241 and differing by no more than 3 nucleotides from the nucleotide sequence of (SEQ ID NO: 241), wherein each of the sense strand and antisense strand of each of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1 and EGLN2 is no more than 30 nucleotides in length and wherein at least one strand of each of the sense strand and antisense strand of each of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1 and EGLN2 comprises a 3′ overhang of at least 2 nucleotides.
 14. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a ligand conjugated to the 3′ end of the sense strand of any of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting expression of EGLN1, EGLN2 or EGLN3.
 15. A pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting expression of an EGLN gene comprising the composition of claim
 1. 16. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 15, further comprising a lipid formulation.
 17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 16, wherein the lipid formulation is a MC3 formulation.
 18. A method of inhibiting EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 expression in a cell, the method comprising: (a) introducing into the cell the composition of claim 1; and (b) maintaining the cell produced in step (a) for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA transcript of an EGLN gene, thereby inhibiting expression of the EGLN gene in the cell.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 expression are each inhibited by at least 30%.
 20. A method of treating a disorder mediated by EGLN expression comprising administering to a human in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of claim
 1. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the human has anemia or a condition associated with anemia.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the anemia is selected from the group consisting of anemia due to B12 deficiency, anemia due to folate deficiency, anemia due to iron deficiency, hemolytic anemia, hemolytic anemia due to G-6-PD deficiency, idiopathic aplastic anemia, idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune hemolytic anemia, iegaloblastic anemia, pernicious anemia, secondary aplastic anemia, and sickle cell anemia.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the condition associated with anemia is selected from the group consisting of pale skin, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, irritability, low body temperature, numb/cold hands or feet, rapid heartbeat, reduced erythropoietin, shortness of breath, weakness and chest pain.
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein the human has a disorder selected from the group consisting of hypoxia, a neurological condition, renal disease or failure, and cancers of the blood, bone and marrow.
 25. A method of increasing erythropoietin levels in a cell or organism comprising contacting said cell or organism with the composition of claim
 1. 26. A method of increasing erythropoietin levels in a cell or organism comprising contacting said cell or organism with the composition of claim
 2. 27. A method of increasing erythropoietin levels in a cell or organism comprising contacting said cell or organism with the composition of claim 12 or
 13. 